Convenience stores are masters of the impulse buy, offering quick access to snacks, drinks, and basic necessities. You pay a premium for that convenience, but with inflation making every dollar count, the price difference between a gas station and a grocery store is more significant than ever. Beyond just the high markups, some items sold at these locations can be of lower quality or questionable freshness. Here are 10 items you should think twice about buying at a convenience store anymore.
1. Over-the-Counter Medicine
That small, four-pill packet of pain reliever might seem cheap, but the per-pill cost is astronomical compared to buying a standard bottle at a pharmacy or supermarket. You are paying a massive premium for a tiny dose. Unless it’s an absolute emergency, it’s one of the worst values in the store.
2. Milk and Eggs
Perishable items like milk and eggs are often priced much higher at convenience stores. More importantly, these stores typically have a slower turnover of stock compared to a busy grocery store. This increases the chance that the product has been sitting longer, making freshness a real concern.
3. Electronics and Charging Cables
The rotating rack of phone chargers, earbuds, and power banks is tempting when you’re in a jam. However, these are almost always low-quality, off-brand electronics with a huge markup. They are prone to breaking quickly and, in the case of chargers, can even damage your device.
4. Packaged Sandwiches and Salads
The pre-made sandwiches and salads sitting in the refrigerated case can be a risky proposition. Food safety experts warn that these items are often stored at improper temperatures. You’re better off finding a fast-food restaurant if you need a quick meal, as their food safety standards are often more rigorous.
5. Pantry Staples like Cereal or Coffee
Running out of cereal or coffee is a morning crisis, but solving it at the convenience store will cost you. A small box of cereal can cost as much as a large family-sized box at a grocery store. These pantry items are priced for desperation, not for value.
6. Firewood
Bundles of firewood sold at gas stations are convenient for a last-minute campfire, but they are notoriously overpriced. You’ll often pay double or even triple the price you would for the same amount of wood from a local seller, farm stand, or hardware store.
7. Fresh Produce
The sad-looking basket of bananas or apples near the counter should usually be avoided. The quality is often poor, the selection is minimal, and the price per piece is incredibly high. You’re paying a premium for produce that is likely past its prime.
8. Ice Cream Pints
A pint of Ben & Jerry’s or Häagen-Dazs is a common impulse buy, but it’s one of the most marked-up items in the freezer case. These premium ice creams can cost several dollars more than the exact same product at a supermarket, making it a very expensive treat.
9. Gift Cards
While the price is the same, security experts warn against buying gift cards from the easily accessible racks at convenience stores. Scammers can tamper with the cards, stealing the numbers and PINs from the packaging and draining the balance as soon as you activate it. It’s safer to buy them from a more secure location.
10. Bags of Salty Snacks
A bag of chips is a road trip classic, but compare the price per ounce. The smaller, “grab-size” bags sold at convenience stores are far more expensive than buying a larger, family-size bag at the grocery store. You’re paying for packaging and convenience, not for the product itself.
Convenience Has Its Cost
While convenience stores serve a vital purpose for quick stops and emergencies, they are rarely the place to get good value. As household budgets get tighter, being a savvy shopper means knowing when that convenience is worth the price. For everyday items, from medicine to milk, planning and visiting a proper grocery store will almost always save you money.
What’s the most overpriced item you’ve ever seen at a convenience store? Are there any items you think are actually a good deal? Let us know!
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