New York: If you’ve ever dreamed of walking out of a store with a bag full of items for just a few cents, welcome to the thrill of Dollar General’s Penny List. This insider secret has quietly turned thousands of shoppers into weekly treasure hunters. Every Tuesday, discontinued or deeply clearanced items across Dollar General stores in the U.S. are marked down to just $0.01—yes, really—and it’s all perfectly legal if you know how to play the game.
But there’s a catch: Dollar General doesn’t publish this list. It’s not on their app, it’s not in their ads, and most employees won’t talk about it. The only way to score these deals is through dedicated penny shopping communities, influencers, and curated weekly lists like this one. If you’re reading this in July 2025, you’re in luck — we’ve gathered everything verified and worth knowing for this month’s penny finds.
Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or just stumbled upon the hype on TikTok, this guide will answer all your questions: What’s the Dollar General Penny List? When do penny deals drop? Where can you find them? Who should know about this? Why is it allowed? And how can you actually score those one-cent items without getting turned away at the register? Let’s break it all down for July 2025.
Also Read: Welcome July 2025! 80+ Wishes, Quotes, Captions & Images to Start July 1st Right
What Is the Dollar General Penny List?
The Dollar General Penny List is a not-so-secret list of products that are officially priced at $0.01 in Dollar General’s POS (Point-of-Sale) system. These are usually discontinued, expired, out-of-season, or untagged clearance items that the store was supposed to remove from shelves. But if they miss a few and you find them? It’s your win.
The list updates every Tuesday, and it can include anything—school supplies, snacks, socks, home goods, seasonal decor. The trick is that Dollar General doesn’t release the list themselves; it’s typically leaked by employees, discovered through in-store scanning, or shared by penny shopping communities online.
When Does the Penny List Drop Each Week?
Penny items go live every Tuesday morning—usually as soon as the store opens. You won’t find a sign or label that says “penny,” but if you scan the right item in the DG app or at the register, it will ring up as $0.01.
For July 2025, new lists are expected on:
- July 1
- July 8
- July 15
- July 22
- July 29
Pro tip: The best time to shop is Tuesday morning, before other penny shoppers hit the store or employees remove the items.
Where Can You Find Penny Items in the Store?
Penny items can be hidden anywhere — endcaps, clearance sections, bottom shelves, or even regular aisles. Look for:
- Seasonal decor with old dates (e.g., Graduation 2025 items in July)
- Expired or mismarked food items
- Clearance tags that end in “0” or “5”
- Items with dusty packaging or old DG branding
Use the Dollar General app’s barcode scanner to confirm prices in-store before heading to the register.
Why Does Dollar General Even Allow Penny Items?
This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is simple: corporate policy. Dollar General uses the penny pricing system to flag items for removal by staff. But if a customer finds an item on the floor after it’s been marked a penny, they’re legally entitled to buy it.
DG employees are not supposed to refuse the sale, and many stores quietly allow it without issue. But it’s considered bad form to ask staff about penny items directly—they’re not allowed to help, and it puts them in a tough spot.
Who Shops the Penny List (and Why Is It So Popular)?
Everyone from coupon moms to TikTokers is now into penny shopping. For low-income families, it’s a way to stretch budgets. For resellers, it’s a hustle. For others, it’s the thrill of the hunt. You never know what you’ll find — school supplies, beauty products, even brand-name snacks or candles for just one cent.
In 2025, interest in the penny list has exploded thanks to influencers and viral “DG hauls” on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit. Some people have even turned penny shopping into side income by reselling their finds at flea markets or on eBay.
How to Shop the Dollar General Penny List Without Getting Refused
Here are essential rules to follow:
- Never ask employees about penny items. They’re not allowed to tell you.
- Use the DG app to scan before you check out. If it says $0.01, you’re good.
- Be respectful at the register. If an item rings up as a penny, the cashier must sell it to you.
- Avoid expired or damaged goods. These can be refused legally.
- Don’t make a mess. Clean shopping equals more chances to shop again.
What’s on the Dollar General Penny List for July 2025? (Confirmed Items)
Penny List – Week of July 1, 2025
- Hershey’s Candy Pens
- Elmer’s Glitter Glue 4ct
- Smokezilla Lighter Cases
- Sharpie Holiday Pack
- Doritos Sticky Notes
- Jack Link’s Jerky (Surprise Item!)
Upcoming (Predicted) Penny Drops
- July 15: Graduation 2025 party supplies, notebooks, gift bags
- July 22: Summer decor, leftover July 4th items
- July 29: Spring apparel and clearance socks (Gray Diamond)
How to Stay Updated on the Penny List Each Week
Stay in the know with these tips:
- Follow trusted penny list pages like The Freebie Guy or Mad Penny Shopper on Facebook.
- Join Facebook groups like “Dollar General Penny Shopping 2025.”
- Use apps like Flipp or DG GO to track clearance cycles.
Is Penny Shopping Worth It?
Absolutely — if you enjoy scavenger hunts, scoring epic deals, and saving money. It’s not for everyone, but for those who love a thrill and a deal, the Dollar General Penny List is a weekly opportunity to spend smart. July 2025’s lineup proves that with a little patience and strategy, you can walk away with bags of goodies… for a few cents.
Just remember: be respectful, discreet, and organized — and the penny gods will smile on you.
