How To Score Penny Deals At Dollar General The Ultimate Guide To Extreme Savings

The world of extreme couponing and bargain hunting has evolved significantly over the years, with savvy shoppers constantly seeking new ways to maximize their savings. Among the most intriguing strategies is the Dollar General Penny List, a little-known system that allows dedicated deal hunters to purchase select items for just one cent. This comprehensive guide explores the mechanics behind this remarkable savings opportunity, how shoppers can participate, and what to expect when hunting for these elusive penny deals.

Understanding the Dollar General Penny List

The Dollar General Penny List is a curated selection of specific items that are marked down to $0.01 at the retail chain. Unlike traditional clearance sales where prices are reduced in predetermined increments, the penny list represents the final markdown stage for certain products. According to The Krazy Coupon Lady, these penny items typically begin as regular clearance items that receive weekly discount increases until they eventually reach the remarkable price point of just one cent.

What makes the penny list particularly appealing to bargain hunters is that it operates on a weekly cycle. The list is updated every Monday afternoon, providing shoppers with new opportunities to discover these ultra-low-priced items. This weekly refresh means that dedicated penny shoppers must regularly check for updated lists to stay current with the latest deals.

The penny list system works in tandem with Dollar General's clearance process. Items that are being discontinued or removed from inventory undergo progressive markdowns. Once an item reaches its final markdown stage, it may be added to the penny list, at which point it can be purchased for just $0.01. This systematic approach to clearance pricing allows the retailer to efficiently manage inventory while providing exceptional deals to customers who know how to navigate the system.

Identifying Penny Items

Successfully hunting for penny items requires a systematic approach and the right tools. The most reliable method for identifying potential penny items involves using the Dollar General mobile application. According to guidance shared by @CouponDaddy on TikTok, shoppers should begin by finding a confirmed item from that week's penny list or selecting an item marked 90% off, as these are strong indicators of potential penny pricing.

The process begins with ensuring the Dollar General app is set to the correct store location. This step is crucial because inventory and pricing can vary between locations. Once the app is properly configured, shoppers should locate the barcode scanner feature, typically found next to the search bar in the application. By scanning the barcode of the suspected penny item, shoppers can verify its current price in the system.

A key indicator of a true penny item is when the app displays the price as $0.00 rather than $0.01. This subtle distinction signals that the item has been officially designated as a penny item in the system. It's important to note that while most penny items will ring up as $0.01 at checkout, the app may display them as $0.00 when properly identified.

For those who prefer not to rely solely on the app, penny items can often be identified by their clearance tags. These items typically have red clearance stickers with the original price and successive markdown percentages. Items that have reached their final markdown stage and are awaiting penny designation may still have their previous clearance tags, making them easy to spot for experienced penny hunters.

The Checkout Process and Potential Challenges

Successfully identifying a penny item is only half the battle; navigating the checkout process presents its own set of challenges. According to experienced penny shoppers, the self-checkout lane is generally the most reliable option for purchasing penny items. This preference stems from the fact that not all Dollar General employees are fully aware of the penny list system, and some may question or refuse to honor the penny pricing.

The Krazy Coupon Lady reports that Dollar General's employee handbook explicitly states that cashiers are obligated to sell penny items to customers at the designated price. This policy provides shoppers with some leverage if they encounter resistance at checkout. However, the reality is that some employees may still push back or require managerial approval, which can delay the transaction.

When checking out with penny items, shoppers should remain polite but firm. If a cashier refuses to honor the penny price, the recommended approach is to politely remind them of the company policy. It's worth noting that in cases where cashiers consistently refuse, shoppers may need to remove the items from their transaction or attempt to make the purchase at a different Dollar General location.

An additional strategy recommended by experienced penny shoppers is to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the penny items. This means not making a scene in the store or at checkout, as employees may become more vigilant about penny items if they notice customers specifically targeting them. A low-profile approach can help maintain the long-term viability of this savings strategy.

Types of Items Commonly Found on the Penny List

The Dollar General Penny List features a diverse array of products across multiple categories, offering something for nearly every type of shopper. While the specific items change weekly, certain categories tend to appear regularly on the penny list, providing shoppers with consistent opportunities for extreme savings.

Food and snack items frequently make an appearance on the penny list. For example, the November 11, 2025 penny list included Alani Nu Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Bars (1.83 oz) and Alani Nu Munchies Protein Bars (1.69 oz), as well as various candy options like Mounds Miniatures Dark Chocolate and Coconut Candy Bags. These food items offer penny shoppers the opportunity to stock up on convenient snacks at an unbeatable price.

The pet care category is another common source of penny deals. The November 2025 penny list featured several pet-related items, including Nature's Menu Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food (5 lb), Nature's Menu Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Food (5 lb), and Pedigree High Protein Dry Dog Food in Chicken & Turkey Flavor (3.5 lb). For pet owners, these penny deals represent significant savings on essential pet nutrition.

Fitness and exercise equipment constitute a substantial portion of the penny list. The November 2025 list included numerous Pro Strength items such as dumbbells (3 lb, 5 lb, and 7 lb variations), kettlebells (10 lb and 15 lb), ankle weights (2 lb), resistance bands, and various exercise accessories like the Ab Wheel, Massage Roller Bar, and Recovery Massager. These items typically retail for significantly more than one cent, making them exceptional bargains for fitness enthusiasts.

Health and personal care items also appear regularly on the penny list. The November 2025 list included Free Chewing Gum with Vitamins in Citrus Flavor (45 count) and Orbit White Spearmint Sugar Free Chewing Gum (15 pieces). These products offer penny shoppers the opportunity to stock up on everyday essentials at minimal cost.

The variety of items on the penny list demonstrates Dollar General's commitment to clearing out discontinued products across multiple categories. This diversity ensures that penny shoppers with different interests and needs can find valuable deals regardless of their specific preferences.

Additional Saving Strategies at Dollar General

While the Penny List represents one of the most extreme savings opportunities at Dollar General, it's not the only strategy for savvy shoppers. Combining multiple saving methods can maximize discounts and create an even more budget-friendly shopping experience.

The most effective approach involves combining manufacturer coupons with Dollar General's own promotions. According to The Freebie Guy, the optimal strategy is to use digital coupons from the Dollar General coupon app in conjunction with manufacturer coupons and weekly ad specials. For example, combining a $5 off $25 coupon from the app with manufacturer coupons on selected items can create substantial overall savings.

Dollar General's weekly ad promotions form another cornerstone of smart shopping. The weekly ad features temporary discounts on specific items, and when combined with other savings methods, these promotions can result in significant price reductions. Savvy shoppers plan their purchases around these weekly promotions to maximize their overall savings.

The Dollar General app itself offers numerous digital coupons that can be applied to purchases. These coupons include percentage-off discounts, dollar-off amounts, and sometimes even free shipping offers. The app allows shoppers to browse available coupons and add them to their account for easy redemption at checkout.

For those willing to invest additional time, coupon stacking can further enhance savings at Dollar General. This involves applying multiple coupons to a single item when store policy permits. While not all stores allow coupon stacking, those that do offer additional opportunities for extreme savings when combined with penny items and other promotions.

The Future of Penny Shopping

The landscape of penny shopping may be evolving due to external factors affecting the availability of pennies themselves. In November 2025, the U.S. Mint ended production of the penny after more than 230 years of minting these one-cent coins. According to a report from WTVM, the decision to discontinue penny production was driven by the fact that each penny costs nearly four cents to manufacture, making them economically inefficient.

While the discontinuation of penny production doesn't directly affect the Dollar General Penny List system, it does signal a potential shift in how society views and uses one-cent pricing. As pennies gradually become less common in circulation, retailers may eventually adjust their pricing strategies. However, for the foreseeable future, the Dollar General Penny List will likely continue to operate as it has, providing dedicated shoppers with remarkable bargains.

The emotional significance of pennies was evident during the final minting ceremony at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. As reported by WTVM, workers stood quietly on the factory floor as if "bidding farewell to an old friend," and erupted into applause when the final coins emerged. This cultural attachment to pennies suggests that even as they fade from production, their symbolic value may keep them in circulation for years to come.

Conclusion

The Dollar General Penny List represents one of the most extreme savings opportunities available to bargain hunters today. By understanding how the system works, identifying penny items effectively, and navigating the checkout process strategically, shoppers can acquire a wide variety of products for just one cent. From food and snacks to pet supplies and fitness equipment, the penny list offers diverse opportunities across multiple categories.

While the Penny List provides exceptional value, it's most effective when combined with other saving strategies such as manufacturer coupons, weekly ad promotions, and digital coupons from the Dollar General app. This multi-faceted approach to savings can transform routine shopping trips into extraordinary value opportunities.

As the U.S. Mint discontinues penny production, the cultural significance of one-cent items may evolve, but for now, the Dollar General Penny List continues to offer dedicated shoppers remarkable bargains. For those willing to invest the time and effort to learn the system, the rewards can be substantial, making penny shopping an essential strategy for budget-conscious consumers.

Sources

1. Dollar General Penny Shopping Guide
2. Penny Calling Penny Deals and Freebies
3. Penny Pinchin' Mom Money Saving Tips
4. U.S. Mint Ends Penny Production
5. Dollar General Penny List Explained
6. Dollar General Penny List and Store Hacks