If you’ve been around military life for more than a minute, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “Just grab it at the commissary—it’s cheaper!” But is it really? And how do you make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck?

Hi, I’m Chelsey—military spouse, and firm believer that your military benefits should work for you, not confuse the heck out of you. I’ve learned exactly how to make the commissary work harder for our family budget. Here’s how you can do the same.

Understand Commissary Pricing

Let’s start with the basics. Unlike civilian stores that mark up for profit, commissary pricing is based on the cost the government pays plus a 5% surcharge instead of taxes. That surcharge helps cover operating costs, and it’s still significantly less than local and state taxes in many places. The commissary also receives significant government subsidies (close to $1 Billion in 2020) to reduce costs for military families.

On average, families save about 20–30% compared to grocery stores in town. But not everything is automatically cheaper—so knowing what to look for is key.

Use Your Commissary Rewards Card

Before you head to the store, make sure you’ve signed up for a Commissary Rewards Card (you can grab one at the register if you don’t have it yet). Then:

• Go to MyCommissary.com or download the app
• Clip digital coupons to your account
• Scan barcodes in your pantry to check for deals

It takes less than 5 minutes and can shave real dollars off your bill. You can also use your rewards online if you add your rewards number to your account.

Save & Organize Your Shopping Lists

Ordering online saves me so much money by sticking with just what we need. If I have to go shop inside though, I always eat right before I go. I buy way to much when I’m hungry. One feature I love in the Commissary app and website is the ability to create and save your shopping list directly inside your account. Here’s how to use it:

• Log in to your account on the app or shop.commissaries.com
• Click or tap “My Shopping List”
• Browse sales and coupons and tap “Add to List” for anything you want to grab
• You can access the list while in-store, and mark things off as you shop

It’s super helpful for staying on budget and making sure you don’t forget anything—especially during case lot sales or big monthly stock-up trips.

Know the Sales Cycles & Case Lot Sales

Most commissaries release a sales flyer every two weeks—which you can find online or in-store. These are worth checking because deals rotate regularly, especially for name-brand items.

Twice a year (usually spring and fall), many locations hold Case Lot Sales. Think of them as mini-warehouse events where you can stock up on paper towels, canned goods, pasta, and snacks at steep discounts.

Pro tip: Know your storage space before you go. It’s easy to get carried away!

Avoid Common Commissary Mistakes

• Not everything is cheaper: Especially check produce and generics against town prices
• Shopping without a list: A little prep goes a long way
• Not checking expiration dates: Some items turn over slower than civilian stores

Insider Tips from Seasoned Shoppers

• Bring your own bags: Some stores don’t provide them
• Shop early in the day: Avoid the crowds and get the freshest stock
• Ask about restock days: Especially if items are out of stock often
• Look for giveaways: Check the DeCA site or your local commissary’s FB page for promo events

Bonus: Best Items to Buy at the Commissary

Based on years of comparison shopping, these are usually your best buys at the commissary:

• Meat (especially beef and chicken)
• Dairy products and cheese
• Frozen meals and snacks
• Paper goods and cleaning supplies
• American brand pantry items (especially overseas!)

Final Thoughts

The commissary is one of those military perks that’s easy to overlook, but when you use it right—it’s a serious money-saver. Whether you’re stocking up for a move, prepping for a long TDY, or just feeding a busy family, it’s worth learning how to shop smart.

Got a favorite commissary hack? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @camouflage.perks. I’d love to hear your tips too!