What to Buy in January
Want to save money on groceries this year? One of the smartest ways to cut your grocery bill is by shopping the sales—and January is full of them!
I help busy moms build their pantry and stockpile on a budget, and every month, I share what’s on sale so you can shop smarter—not harder.
Ready to find out what to buy in January? Let’s talk about the best grocery deals and non-food bargains this month so you can plan ahead and stretch your budget.
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Grocery Items on Sale in January
Oatmeal (It’s National Oatmeal Month!)
January is National Oatmeal Month, which means all types of oatmeal will be marked down:
- Quick oats
- Old-fashioned oats
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Even oatmeal-based granola bars
This is a great time to stock up for breakfasts and baking.
Healthy and Diet Foods
Everyone is setting New Year’s resolutions, and grocery stores respond with major sales on:
- Low-calorie frozen meals
- Protein bars (like Lara Bars)
- Low-carb or keto-friendly products
- Anything with a “healthy choice” label
If you’re looking to eat healthier this year, shop these diet food deals now.
Snack Foods
Thanks to the Super Bowl, you’ll also find great deals on snacks this month—perfect for upcoming game days:
- Chips and dips
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Granola bars and snack packs
These make great lunchbox fillers too, so grab extras for your pantry.
Frozen Foods
Frozen meals, pizzas, and snack foods are often marked down in January. This is an easy way to plan quick dinners or have emergency meals on hand.
Christmas Baking Clearance
Don’t skip the baking aisle just because the holidays are over! Watch for markdowns on:
- Baking mixes
- Sprinkles
- Holiday-themed cake or cookie items
The packaging might be festive, but the savings are real—and the ingredients work year-round.
Chocolates & Candy
Retailers often start Valentine’s Day promotions early. Look for:
- Chocolate sales
- Seasonal candy markdowns
- Candy clearance from Christmas
It’s the perfect time to grab treats for your pantry or future gift bags.
Vitamins
With health goals top of mind, vitamin sales pop up in January. These have a long shelf life, so if your family uses them regularly, stock up now to avoid paying full price later.
Seasonal Produce to Buy in January
While produce variety is lighter in winter, there are still great seasonal produce deals to shop.
Vegetables on Sale:
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Potatoes
Fruits on Sale:
- Apples
- Oranges
- Clementines
- Grapefruit
These are your best fresh produce deals for January—seasonal and often locally sourced, which helps keep prices lower.
Non-Grocery Deals in January
Christmas Clearance
Stores are clearing out holiday items. Watch for:
- Gift sets
- Holiday toiletries
- Baking goods
- Seasonal décor
Tip: Some of these make great gifts for next year or even everyday use.
Cold & Flu Medicine
This is a big one! Watch for medicine sales like:
- Cough drops
- Decongestants
- Vitamin C
- Cold & flu care kits
Now is the time to restock your medicine cabinet before the next bug hits your house.
Winter Clothing Clearance
Even though it’s still cold, stores are already marking down winter gear to make room for spring. Look for deals on:
- Coats and jackets
- Hats, gloves, mittens
- Boots
This is the best time to buy ahead for next year (or the rest of this winter).
White Sales – Linens and Towels
January is known for “white sales,” with markdowns on:
- Sheets
- Towels
- Comforters
- Blankets
If you need to freshen up your linen closet, now’s your chance.
Toys on Clearance
In late January, stores start clearing out toys that didn’t sell over the holidays. Think ahead for birthday parties, Easter baskets, or even next Christmas already.
Electronics (TVs in Particular)
TVs and other electronics often go on sale toward the end of January leading into February’s Super Bowl. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your TV, this is the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts: Shop Smart and Stock Ahead
One of the most effective ways I keep our grocery budget for a family of six under $525 a month is by shopping the sales and planning ahead. Most grocery items go on a 6- to 12-week sale cycle, so when I see something on sale that we regularly use, I buy more than one.
This strategy saves us hundreds each year—and it can do the same for you.
Be sure to check out my weekly frugal grocery hauls every Thursday on YouTube, where I show exactly what I bought, how much I paid, and what deals are still available so you can catch them too.
Have you noticed other great sales in January I didn’t mention? Drop them in the comments—I love hearing your tips and it helps other readers too!
