Between the bird flu mess and all the supply chain chaos, egg prices are getting straight-up stupid. If you’re trying not to torch your grocery budget every time you need a dozen, this guide’s got some easy ways to score eggs for free or crazy cheap. And if you’re officially over the egg drama, don’t worry — I dug up a bunch of solid swaps that’ll get the job done without missing a beat.

1. Raise Backyard Chickens

If you’ve got the space — even a small backyard — a few hens can supply your household with a steady stream of eggs. Most breeds lay 4–6 eggs per week (except in the winter), so even three chickens can easily provide a dozen weekly.

Start-Up Needs: You’ll need a coop (you can build one yourself if you’re handy or just grab a prefab one), plus bedding, feeders, and something for water. It can get pricey if you go fancy, but honestly, a lot of people just DIY it with scrap wood or turn an old dog house into a coop and call it good.

Feed Costs: Expect to spend around $15–$25 per month on feed for a small flock.

Extras: Chickens also love food scraps, which can help reduce your feed bill.

Legal Notes: Always check your city’s rules — some areas allow hens but not roosters, or limit the number of birds you can keep.

Yeah, it costs a bit to get set up, but it pays for itself pretty quick — especially if you’re already dropping five bucks (or more) on a dozen eggs every week.

Plus, you get eggs that are way fresher, taste better, and honestly…having a bunch of goofy chickens running around will probably make you smile more than you think.

PRO TIP: CONTACT LOCAL 4-H OR FFA CLUBS

Youth agricultural programs like 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) often raise chickens as part of their school or project work.

Sometimes they end up with surplus eggs they’re happy to give away or sell cheap to the community — especially after fair season or school breaks. Reach out to your local extension office or ag teacher and politely ask if they know anyone with extra eggs.

Reader tip from Melissa in Fort Dodge, Iowa: “Hey Kyle, my daughter’s in 4-H, and after the county fair last summer, we had more eggs than we knew what to do with. I posted on our town’s community Facebook page, and several people came by to grab a dozen or two. A neighbor even started picking them up weekly. If you have a 4-H club nearby, don’t be shy — most of us are happy to share or sell at a fair price.”

2. Trade or Barter with Neighbors

A lot of people who raise chickens have more eggs than they can use.

If you know someone with hens, see if they’d be open to a trade.

Most backyard chicken owners are happy to exchange eggs for something useful:

– Homemade bread or baked goods

– Extra veggies from your garden

– Help around their yard or pet-sitting while they’re away

– Kitchen scraps (many chicken owners appreciate this!)

Check local groups like Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing, or Nextdoor — people often post about egg swaps or freebies. Even a post saying, “Looking to trade something small for eggs” can spark a deal.

See Also: Insider Grocery Secrets: How to Pay Less Than Everyone Else

3. Visit Food Pantries or Church Distributions

If you’re experiencing a tough month (and who hasn’t?), don’t overlook your local food bank, church pantry, or community center.

Many pantries partner with local farms or grocery stores to distribute eggs, especially near the holidays.

Some offer “perishable days” with fresh foods like milk, cheese, and eggs.

Churches often run food programs or weekend breakfast events that include egg dishes — and some send folks home with groceries.

Call ahead or check their website to see what’s available. There’s no shame in getting a little help — that’s what these resources are for.

PRO TIP: RETURN EGG CARTONS FOR A DISCOUNT

If you buy eggs at the farmers market or from a backyard seller, returning empty egg cartons can sometimes get you a discount — or an extra egg or two.

Farmers love not having to buy new cartons. Bonus: It makes you a “preferred” customer they’ll remember.

4. Join a CSA or Food Co-op

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs often include eggs in their weekly farm boxes, or they offer an “egg add-on” at a discount if you’re already subscribing to produce. It’s not free, but the price per dozen is usually better than buying them from the store — and you’re supporting local farmers.

Many CSAs run on a seasonal basis and offer payment plans or accept SNAP.

Food co-ops may also offer lower-priced eggs to members, especially if they buy in bulk.

Some allow work-trade options — volunteer a few hours a month and get a discount on your groceries, including eggs.

If there’s a local co-op in your area, check out their member perks — it might pay off quickly.

5. Use Coupon & Cashback Apps

Apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Checkout 51 are great for earning money back on groceries — and eggs are often on their lists.

How It Works: Activate offers in the app, buy the item at a store, then scan your receipt to earn cash back.

Tip: Stack this with store sales or coupons for even bigger savings.

Example: If eggs are $5.99/dozen and you get $1 back from Ibotta, you’ve only paid $4.99 — or less if you had a coupon, too.

Even better? Sometimes these apps run promos with completely free eggs, especially around the holidays or when prices are high.

PRO TIP: USE IBOTTA’S “ANY BRAND” OFFER

Ibotta and similar apps often give rebates for “any brand of eggs”.

Pair this with store-brand eggs on sale (like Aldi’s or Walmart’s), and you could end up paying next to nothing — or even make a profit if there’s a stackable in-store coupon.

See Also: How to Find Hidden Clearance Deals at Walmart

6. Shop at Discount Grocery Stores

If you’re not already shopping at places like Aldi, Lidl, Grocery Outlet, or Save-A-Lot, now’s the time.

These discount grocery stores often carry the same eggs (or better quality) for far less than traditional supermarkets.

You might also find clearance markdowns on eggs nearing their “sell by” date — which are still good for weeks when refrigerated properly.

At warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club, the per-egg price is usually lower if you’re okay buying in bulk (e.g., 2 dozen at a time).

Watch for weekly flyers, and when prices dip, grab a couple of cartons and store them safely (eggs keep well for 3–5 weeks in the fridge).

PRO TIP: GET CREATIVE AT DISCOUNT STORES

Discount stores don’t play by the rules — and that’s your advantage. Skip the flyer and head straight to the weird, half-stocked fridge section.

Look for off-brand eggs, random farm labels, or “manager’s special” stickers.

If you see a price that looks wrong, it’s probably right — grab first, question later. At places like Grocery Outlet, the egg deals don’t wait for you. They vanish.

7. Visit Farmers Markets Late in the Day

If you like supporting local farmers but think farmers markets are too pricey — go later in the day.

As vendors are packing up, they may be willing to cut deals to avoid taking perishables back home.

You can simply ask, “Any deals on eggs today?” or “Would you do $X for two dozen?” — a polite ask never hurts. Some sellers will even toss in an extra egg or two if you’re a regular. And a bonus: farm eggs are often fresher and tastier than store-bought.

Longtime blog reader Tasha from Portland, OR, told me “I love going to our local farmers market, but yeah—some of the prices can be steep. I started going during the last hour, and it makes a huge difference. One Saturday, I got a big bundle of carrots, a carton of eggs, and a loaf of fresh bread for almost half what they were listed for earlier in the day.

I just asked, ‘Would you take $8 for the eggs and bread together?’ and the vendor smiled and said, “Sure”. Now I always go later. It’s less crowded, vendors are more relaxed, and I usually score some kind of deal.”

PRO TIP: ASK ABOUT DAMAGED CARTONS

Many stores will discount or even give away egg cartons that have one or two broken eggs.

Just ask the dairy manager: “Do you ever have any cracked cartons you’re marking down?” You can salvage the good eggs and toss the broken ones.

Bring a clean container to safely transport the good ones home.

8. Use SNAP or WIC Benefits for Eggs

If you qualify for SNAP (EBT) or WIC benefits, eggs are an eligible item.

SNAP cards work just like debit cards at any grocery store — and eggs are often one of the cheapest sources of protein per dollar.

Some farmers markets accept EBT and even offer “Double Bucks” programs, where your SNAP dollars go further.

WIC participants (especially breastfeeding moms and kids over 1) often get free eggs as part of their monthly food packages.

If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, check with your local health department or visit Benefits.gov to get started.

PRO TIP: FREEZE EGGS DURING SALES

When eggs are really cheap (especially around Easter or Christmas), stock up and freeze them.

Crack them into ice cube trays or small containers, beat lightly, and freeze for later use in baking or cooking.

They’ll last for up to a year and save you from paying full price when prices go up again.

9. Take Advantage of Holiday Sales

If you’re trying to score cheap eggs, hit the grocery store right before the big holidays — seriously.

Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s — all that baking and brunching means stores start throwing egg deals everywhere.

Keep an eye on the flyers, or better yet, get on their app or email list so you don’t miss it.

Sometimes eggs drop to half price (or even cheaper) and it’s the perfect time to load up your fridge like you’re hosting a pancake breakfast for an army.

10. Just Ask

Seriously, don’t sleep on just asking around.

You never know — a friend with a CSA box, a coworker with backyard chickens, somebody in your neighborhood Facebook group — eggs pile up fast.

Post something like, “Anyone have backyard chickens and too many eggs? Happy to trade or pick up extras!”

You’d be shocked how many people are happy to offload ’em (and maybe even brag a little about their chickens while they’re at it).

PRO TIP: LET FACEBOOK BE YOUR FRIEND

My blogging buddy Jason told me, “Yo Kyle! We go through a ton of eggs, and with prices going up, I just posted in our neighborhood Facebook group: “Anyone have backyard chickens and extra eggs? I’d be happy to trade or buy!”

Within a few hours, two people replied—one woman (who I trade with all the time now) said she usually ends up with way more than her family can eat and would be happy to give me a dozen a week for a few bucks or some garden veggies in return. It’s been a total win-win. I’m saving money, and she’s not wasting eggs. All because I asked.”

And Now 10 Egg Alternatives (That Actually Work!)

Outta eggs? Can’t eat ’em? Just don’t want to deal with them? No worries — there are some solid swaps that’ll totally save the day.

The trick is knowing what you’re using the egg for — like are you baking cookies, binding meatballs, or frying up something in a pan?

Different job, different replacement — but don’t stress, we’ve got you covered.

1. Applesauce

Uses: Baking (muffins, cakes, brownies)

Ratio: ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 egg

Flavor Impact: Applesauce works if you’re baking — like brownies, muffins, that kinda thing — but don’t go throwing it in meatloaf or something weird. It’s sweet, it’s wet, it’ll mess up savory stuff real fast. Good for desserts. Not good for, like, anything else.

2. Flaxseed Meal

Uses: Baking and binding (cookies, pancakes)

Ratio: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg

Why It Works: Creates a gel-like consistency perfect for holding things together.

PRO TIP: BE PATIENT AND LET IT SIT

Flaxseed is a go-to for binding in recipes like pancakes, waffles, and veggie burgers.

Just be sure to let the mixture sit for a few minutes so it can gel properly—this mimics the texture of an egg and helps hold everything together.

3. Chia Seeds

Uses: Similar to flax (pancakes, muffins)

Ratio: 1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg

Bonus: Adds fiber and omega-3s.

4. Mashed Banana

Uses: Baking (banana bread, pancakes, cookies)

Ratio: ¼ cup mashed banana = 1 egg

Best For: Sweet recipes—adds flavor and moisture.

PRO TIP: THE BANANA HACK IS REAL

From longtime blog reader, Tina, she told me the following….”I once ran out of eggs mid-banana bread and thought, “Well… bananas are already in here…” I used an extra mashed one as a swap, and honestly? It turned out even more moist and flavorful.”

Now she told me that she does it on purpose. She also added, “Just remember—mashed banana adds sweetness and that classic banana flavor, so it works best in baked goods where that vibe fits.”

5. Silken Tofu

Uses: Quiches, custards, creamy recipes

Ratio: ¼ cup blended silken tofu = 1 egg

Texture: Smooth, neutral taste.

6. Yogurt (or Non-Dairy Yogurt)

Uses: Cakes, muffins, and quick breads.

Ratio: ¼ cup = 1 egg

Tip: Choose plain for neutral flavor; Greek-style gives richer texture.

7. Commercial Egg Replacers

Brands: Bob’s Red Mill, Ener-G, JUST Egg (liquid).

Uses: Versatile—good for baking, scrambling, and more.

How to Use: Follow package directions for 1 egg equivalent.

PRO TIP: EGG REPLACERS IN VEGAN COOKIES

This personal antidote comes from Maria, a longtime reader, “I was skeptical of boxed egg replacers at first—how could a powder do the job of an egg? But after using one in a batch of cookies for a vegan friend, I was shocked at how well they held together. No weird taste, no crumbly mess.”

She also added that “these replacers are super reliable for baking and binding. Just follow the package instructions as they’re usually spot-on.”

8. Aquafaba

What It Is: The liquid from a can of chickpeas.

Uses: Meringues, mousse, or recipes needing whipped egg whites.

Ratio: 3 tbsp aquafaba = 1 egg

Surprising Perk: Whips just like egg whites when beaten.

See Also: 24 Clever Tips to Save BIG at the Grocery Store

9. Nut Butter

Uses: Brownies, cookies, dense baked goods.

Ratio: 3 tbsp = 1 egg

Notes: Works best in recipes where the nutty flavor complements the dish.

10. Carbonated Water

Uses: Light, airy baked goods (cakes, waffles).

Ratio: ¼ cup carbonated water = 1 egg

Why It Works: Adds lift and lightness—ideal when fluffiness is key.

Ask the Reader: What free or cheap sources of eggs did I miss? Let me know and I’ll crack into your tips and add them to my article.

By Kyle James

I used to work at The Home Depot and often heard rumors of “penny items”, but unfortunately I didn’t work their long enough to ever actually see one. While it may sound too good to be true, they absolutely DO EXIST and they will indeed sell products for just one cent. These “hidden gems” are always unadvertised and not widely known, which makes them even more thrilling to find—especially for savvy Home Depot shoppers who know what to look for.

What Are Home Depot Penny Items?

Penny items are products that have been heavily marked down—usually to clear out discontinued, damaged, seasonal, or outdated merchandise.

When an item is reduced to $0.01 in Home Depot’s system, it’s essentially a signal to employees that the item should be removed from the shelves and either thrown out or returned to the vendor.

However, these items sometimes remain on the floor—and that’s when shoppers have the chance to snag them.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON PENNY ITEMS

Home Depot employees are NOT supposed to sell penny items to customers. If an associate sees a penny item on the shelf, they’re instructed to pull it immediately.

That means if you find one and it rings up for a penny, there’s a chance the cashier might not let you buy it. But below I’ve documented several ways to increase your odds of getting these deals; as long as you know how to go about it.

See Also: Employees Give Me 15 Clever ways to Save at The Home Depot

Why Do These Items Even Exist?

Home Depot moves a ton of inventory across its stores—so when something gets damaged, recalled, or just discontinued, it’s got to go.

Instead of slapping on a clearance sticker, they’ll often mark it down to just $0.01. That penny price? It’s basically code for “pull this off the shelf and toss it.”

But here’s the thing: employees don’t always catch it right away. So every now and then, lucky shoppers stumble across these penny-priced hidden gems before they’re removed.

It’s rare—but when it happens, it feels like winning the clearance lottery.

PRO TIP: SHOP DURING STORE RESET HOURS

From my days working at Home Depot, I know that they restock shelves early in the morning or late at night.

So I highly recommend going during off-peak hours (think 7 – 9 a.m. on a weekday or just after opening on a Sunday).

You’ll often catch items just before they’re pulled—or notice employees wheeling out carts of clearance or “go-backs” that may include penny items.

How to Find Penny Items at Home Depot

Finding penny items isn’t a guarantee, but with the right approach and persistence, you can get lucky.

Here’s how to increase your odds:

1. Learn to Read Price Tags

Home Depot uses yellow clearance stickers that can tell you a lot—if you know what to look for.

Most clearance items will be marked with a yellow (sometimes orange) sticker showing the reduced price.

KEY: Pay attention to the date printed on the tag.

If it’s an older date (usually several weeks or months old), and the item is still sitting on the shelf, there’s a chance it may have dropped further in price—possibly to a penny.

Also, look for clearance tags ending in either .06 or .03.

These often indicate markdowns:

Prices ending in .06 usually mean the item will be marked down again in 6 weeks from the date on the tag.

Prices ending in .03 indicates a final clearance, and the item will be pulled or dropped to a penny if it doesn’t sellout in 3 weeks from the date on the tag.

PRO TIP: HIT THE “DAMAGED” & “OPEN BOX” SECTIONS

Many penny items end up in the back corners of the store, like in the “Damaged Packaging”, “Open Box” or “Clearance Pallet” areas.

These are often overlooked by regular shoppers and sometimes ignored by employees too.

Scan every barcode—even if the item looks unappealing. That beat-up toolbox or dusty light fixture might scan for a penny OR provide great ammunition to negotiate a deal.

2. Scan Items with the Home Depot App

The Home Depot mobile app is one of the best tools for finding penny items.

You can use it to scan barcodes in-store of clearance items and check the current price.

If you scan an item and it comes up as $0.01, you’ve absolutely found a penny deal, now head to the self-checkout aisle and buy it quickly.

Just be aware that prices may vary by store, and the app occasionally lags in updating inventory.

PRO TIP: REVERSE SHOP FROM HOME

Before you even leave the house, use the Home Depot app to search for clearance items at your local store by typing in general terms like “clearance”, “discontinued” or “special buy”.

Narrow your store location and sort by price. If you see items listed for $0.01 or suspiciously low prices, take note of the SKU or UPC.

This saves a ton of time and helps you hunt with purpose once you get to the store.

3. Know Where to Look

If you’re hunting for penny deals, there’s a few spots you definitely wanna check first.

Seasonal stuff is a goldmine — think garden stuff after summer, Christmas lights in January, Halloween junk in November — they wanna clear it out fast.

Lighting and fixtures too — if it looks old, discontinued, or just kinda sad, there’s a good chance it’s marked way down.

Same thing with tools — older models, open boxes, random accessories nobody bought.

Paint’s another sneaky one — like custom mixes people never picked up? Sometimes they’ll basically give it away for a penny.

And don’t forget to dig around the end caps, the clearance racks, and way up top or way down low on the shelves — that’s where the hidden gems are.

PRO TIP: USE BAY NUMBERS TO FIND HIDING SPOTS

Using the Home Depot app or website, if you find an item marked down, check its Bay Number which is essentially its shelf location.

Sometimes a penny-priced item still shows “limited stock” but isn’t on the main floor—it might be in overhead storage or a returns cart nearby.

Knowing the bay number helps you narrow your search and spot out-of-place deals.

4. Join Penny Shopping Communities

There are entire online communities built around penny shopping.

People in Facebook groups and even TikTok creators share tips on what to look for—everything from SKUs to brands that recently dropped to a penny.

It’s not always a sure thing. Just because an item is a penny at one store doesn’t mean it’ll be the same everywhere.

But if you’ve got a list of possible penny items, you’ll know what to check—and that can give you a big head start.

PRO TIP: “DEAD END” AISLES ARE GOLD MINES

Check the dead-end aisles—the quiet corners of the store with random shelves or leftover stock.

Employees sometimes tuck penny items there while waiting for a manager to sign off on pulling them.

These spots don’t get much foot traffic, so things can sit unnoticed for days.

Look behind bulky stuff like toilets, bathtubs, or pallets of tile. You never know what’s hiding back there.

Tips for Scoring Penny Items Successfully

Be discreet – If you find a penny item, play it cool. Just toss it in your cart and head to self-checkout if you can — the louder you are about it, the more likely an employee’s gonna yank it before you can pay.

Don’t argue – And if they do catch it and say they can’t sell it to you? Don’t argue. Seriously. Just move on. Store policy’s on their side, not yours.

Check often – Best thing you can do is check often — penny deals change all the time, and it’s basically a timing game.

Keep a list – If you follow any penny groups online, keep a list of the barcodes or SKUs — it’ll save you a ton of guessing when you’re wandering around.

Build rapport with employees – Oh, and be nice to the employees. You’d be surprised how many will give you a heads-up if you’re cool — a little respect goes a long way when you’re hunting hidden deals.

PRO TIP: SHOP DURING STORE EVENTS

Clearance events—like post-holiday resets or inventory weeks—can turn the store into organized chaos. Employees are busy, shelves are shifting, and that’s your chance to quietly scan without anyone noticing.

It’s the best time to blend in and hunt for penny deals.

Bonus tip: If you end up grabbing other sale items, use your Home Depot credit card or loyalty account to stack a little extra savings. Every bit helps.

These Items Have Been Found for a Penny

Shoppers have scored all kinds of deals for a penny, including:

– Outdoor patio umbrellas

– Toolboxes

– Smart lightbulbs

– Christmas wreaths

– Fire pits

– Faucets

– Power tools

– Lawn and garden décor

– Tile and flooring samples

– Smoke detectors

These are just examples—Home Depot’s inventory is constantly shifting, and new penny items appear regularly.

PRO TIP: WATCH FOR “PHANTOM INVENTORY”

The Home Depot app isn’t always accurate. Sometimes it’ll say an item is “Out of Stock” or “Limited Stock” even though it’s still sitting on a shelf—or stashed up high waiting to be pulled.

If you think something might be a penny item, ask (nicely!) if they can check the overhead storage or the returns area.

Dropping a line like “I think it might’ve been a customer return” or “Could it have gotten misplaced?” can help jog their memory—and maybe lead you straight to the deal.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever been lucky enough to snag a penny item at The Home Depot? What was the product and how did you pull it off?

By Kyle James

Raising Cane’s is awesome, but man—it gets pricey fast. One second you’re ordering a few chicken fingers, and the next you’re staring at a $14 receipt wondering how you got here. Yeah, you could use a promo or stick to a combo, but there are better ways to save if you know where to look. These aren’t your basic “sign up for emails” tips either. This is the stuff regulars actually do to keep the price down without skimping on the sauce.

The Secret “Slaw Swap” Hack

When ordering a meal that includes coleslaw, most people don’t realize that you can swap out slaw for extra toast, fries, or even extra sauce if that’s your jam—for FREE.

If you hate coleslaw and end up throwing it away, this is a great way to get more bang for your buck.

PRO HACK: GO “NAKED” IF YOU’RE COUNTING CALORIES

Did you know you can order “Naked” chicken strips where Cane’s will fry them up without any breading?

They are about half the calories and still have some crisp to them. But many folks call them bland and dry so there’s a definite trade off.

Skip the Drink and Get a Free Water Cup—Then Upgrade It

Cane’s gives out free water cups — but here’s the move: ask for the biggest one they’ll give you, load it up with ice, and boom — once it melts, it’s basically a small soda.

Wanna get fancy? Bring a flavor packet from home or snag one of their free lemon wedges and you’ve got yourself a poor man’s lemonade. No extra charge, no shame.

PRO HACK: FREE TEA REFILL

If your location has a self-serve soda machine, ask for water first, then politely ask for a refill with tea. Some locations allow one refill of tea for water cups.

See Also: Try the KFC Secret Menu and Pay Homage to the Colonel

Buy the Toast and Ask for Extra Sauce

A sneaky way to get a taste of Raising Cane’s without the high price is to order a side of Texas Toast and a Cane’s sauce instead of a full meal.

If you want more, you can double the order and still spend less than a box combo.

The toast is surprisingly filling, and the sauce gives it that signature flavor -OR- you can buy these Raising Cane’s fingers dupe and make it at home for pennies on the dollar.

Also, you can always swap the Texas toast for a buttered and toasted roll, just like the one used for their sandwiches.

PRO TIP: ALWAYS SCORE A SUPER FRESH MEAL

For the freshest meal, I always order extra crispy chicken and fries at Cane’s. Even if you’re not a fan of extra crispiness, it’s only slightly crispier but much fresher.

It insures that you get your chicken and fries right out of the fryer, pipping hot.

Use the “No Ice” Trick for More Lemonade

Cane’s lemonade is legendary, but they load it with ice, cutting down the actual liquid you get.

Ask for “no ice” and chill your drink later at home. You’ll get almost double the lemonade for the same price.

PRO TIP: SPLIT A DRINK

If you’re ordering multiple meals, get a large lemonade to split instead of individual small ones. It’s often way cheaper per ounce.

The Freebie Birthday Hack (Even If It’s Not Your Birthday)

While Raising Cane’s doesn’t have a public birthday freebie, many locations give a free toast, sauce, or even a tender if you mention it’s your birthday.

If you’re polite and friendly, you might get a freebie even if it’s just close to your birthday.

PRO HACK: CANIAC COMBO IS YOUR FRIEND

When ordering for 2 people, maybe for you and your spouse, consider ordering The Caniac Combo ($18.69) and you’ll get 6 chicken fingers, fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, and a 32 oz drink.

This is a HUGE meal that can easily be split and WAY cheaper than ordering two 3 Finger Combo meals ($11.79 each). You’ll only get one drink which you can split, or you can get a free cup of water.

Use Your Receipt for a Freebie Later

Always check your receipt—sometimes Raising Cane’s prints survey codes that let you get a free item (like toast or extra sauce) on your next visit.

Even if it’s not on your receipt, ask your cashier if there are any current promotions or survey offers.

Some locations will let you do multiple surveys per month, meaning you can keep getting freebies with every visit.

PRO HACK: MAKE YOUR OWN SAUCE AT HOME

According to a fired Raising Cane’s employee here’s the recipe for their sauce:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
• 1/4 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Paprika to taste

See Also: Check Out These Brilliant Ways to Save at Chick-fil-A

The Leftover Cane’s Sauce Stash Trick

Don’t bother paying extra for Cane’s sauce—just ask for an extra one and stash it at home.

It keeps in the fridge for a while, and it’s clutch when you’re making chicken at home or want that Cane’s flavor on some fries or a sandwich.

Basically, you’re turning your fridge into a mini Cane’s without spending extra.

PRO HACK: GET SAUCE AFTER YOU EAT

If you’re dining in, ask for your sauce after your meal so you can take it home unopened.

If you ask for an extra one before eating, they might charge you.

Join a Local Facebook “Buy Nothing” or Freebie Group

Sounds wild, but people legit give away free Cane’s gift cards or discounts they’re not gonna use.

Check Facebook groups, Nextdoor, all those local forums — you’ll see giveaways or people trying to trade ’em off.

A lot of folks get Cane’s cards from fundraisers or promos and just… don’t care.

And hey, if you know someone who works at Cane’s, ask ‘em — a lot of employees get meal perks and might hook you up if you’re lucky (or if you’re buying the next round).

PRO TIP: GET MORE FOOD FOR LESS

Who doesn’t want more food for less money? This hack comes from an employee who’s also a family friend.

To make it happen, you’ll want to start by ordering a sandwich combo, but swap the roll for Texas toast (this gets you 2 slices of toast).

Next, skip the lettuce and ask for the sauce on the side. This way you’ll get everything included in a 3-finger combo—plus a FREE piece of toast—all at a lower price. Beautiful!

Sign Up for the Caniac Club (Free Food Rewards)

The Caniac Club is Raising Cane’s official rewards program, and it’s totally free to join.

When you sign up, you get:

✅ A free Box Combo just for joining. (UPDATE: This was discontinued in August of 2024…BOO!)
✅ Special birthday rewards (usually a free drink or meal).
✅ Exclusive discounts and promotions throughout the year.

Make sure to register your Caniac Club card online after you get it from a participating location to start earning rewards.

PRO TIP: TRICK TO GET MULITPLE FREE COMBO MEALS

When signing up for the “Caniac Club” you can simply add a dot to the front part of your email address and get another account and subsequent free meal.

So if your email is [email protected] you can sign-up again and use [email protected] and the email from Raising Cane’s will get re-routed to you correctly, scoring you another free Combo Box meal.

Check Your Receipt for Freebies

Raising Cane’s occasionally prints survey offers on receipts, which let you score free food (like a toast, extra sauce, or a drink) on your next visit.

Always take 2 minutes to do the survey and save your receipt for your next order.

Order the Tailgate Box for a Cheaper Group Meal

If you’re feeding multiple people, instead of ordering individual meals, go for a Tailgate Box.

It includes 25, 50, 75, or 100 chicken fingers, along with Cane’s sauce.

PRO TIP: BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS

When feeding a large group, instead of buying drinks there, buy a gallon of tea or lemonade (which is WAY cheaper per ounce than buying multiple drinks).

Bring your own cups and ice for even more savings.

Follow Raising Cane’s on Social Media for Deals

Cane’s occasionally drops flash deals, contests, and giveaways on their social media accounts.

Follow them on:

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter (X)
TikTok

PRO TIP: BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR DEALS

Keep an eye out for limited-time promotions, especially around major events like football season, grand openings, or National Chicken Finger Day (July 27th).

Ask About Student, Military, or Local Discounts

Some Raising Cane’s locations offer student, military, or first responder discounts (usually 10% off).

It’s not an official nationwide policy, but it NEVER hurt to ask.

PRO TIP: PULL OUT YOUR I.D.

Show your student ID, military ID, or work badge at the register and politely ask if any discounts apply.

Use Cash-Back Apps & Discounted Gift Cards

Cash-back apps like Fetch, Rakuten, or Ibotta sometimes offer restaurant rewards, including Raising Cane’s.

Also, sites like CardCash sell discounted Raising Cane’s gift cards at a lower price.

Order a Kids’ Meal for a Cheaper Combo

Not super hungry? Order a Kids’ Meal—it comes with two tenders, fries, toast, and a drink ($8.19 at my local Cane’s) and costs significantly less than a standard combo.

This is a great option for light eaters who still want a full meal without overpaying.

Check for Local Fundraisers & Promotions

Cane’s teams up with local schools, sports teams, and charities all the time for fundraising nights. A chunk of the sales goes to the cause—and sometimes they hand out BOGO deals or other promos to sweeten the deal.

If you hear about a local fundraiser happening at Cane’s, swing by. You’ll be helping out and scoring a possible freebie. Win-win.

Ask the Reader: Besides raising and butchering your own chickens, what’s your favorite way to save some cash at Raising Cane’s? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James