It Is Not Just Soap and Shampoo

The most common misconception about refill stores is that they only sell cleaning products and body care. Some stores do specialize in those categories, but many carry a full range of grocery staples, pantry items, and household goods. The product selection depends on the store, but here is what the category landscape actually looks like.

Bulk Grains, Rice, and Pasta

This is the backbone of many refill stores. Expect to find staples like white and brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa, couscous, various pasta shapes, and flour. Some stores carry specialty grains like farro, millet, or bulgur wheat. You scoop or pour what you need, which is especially useful for grains you use less frequently.

Spices and Seasonings

Buying spices in bulk is one of the best reasons to visit a refill store. Most carry 40 to 100+ individual spices, from everyday basics like garlic powder and paprika to harder-to-find options like sumac, za'atar, and whole star anise. You can buy a teaspoon or a cup, which means fresher spices since you are not sitting on a jar for two years.

Nuts, Seeds, and Trail Mix

Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed. Many stores also carry nut butters (sometimes made fresh on a grinder in the store) and custom trail mix components so you can build your own blend.

Baking Supplies

Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, almond, coconut), sugar (white, brown, powdered), baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and yeast. If you bake regularly, a refill store can be a reliable source for these staples.

Oils and Vinegars

Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar. Some stores have tapped dispensers where you fill your own bottle, which keeps the oils fresher and lets you buy the exact amount a recipe calls for.

Teas and Coffee

Loose-leaf teas (black, green, herbal, chai blends) and whole-bean coffee are common offerings. Buying tea loose rather than in individual bags typically saves money and produces better flavor. Some stores also carry drinking chocolate, matcha, and specialty coffee blends.

Dried Fruit and Snacks

Raisins, cranberries, apricots, mango, banana chips, dates, and coconut flakes. Some stores also carry dried vegetables, jerky, or granola. This is another category where buying just what you need prevents waste, since dried fruit can get stale if you buy too much.

Cleaning Products

This is where refill stores first gained traction. Common offerings include:

  • Dish soap (liquid and bar)
  • Laundry detergent (liquid and powder)
  • All-purpose cleaner (often sold as concentrate)
  • Glass cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Hand soap

Many stores use pump-and-fill stations where you bring your own spray bottle or jug and fill up. Concentrates are popular because they reduce both packaging and the cost per use.

Body Care and Soap

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, face wash, deodorant, lip balm, and bar soaps. The product quality at refill stores tends to skew toward plant-based, fragrance-conscious formulas. Some stores let you customize scents by adding essential oils to an unscented base.

Hair Care

Beyond basic shampoo and conditioner, some stores carry hair masks, leave-in treatments, and styling products in refillable formats. Shampoo and conditioner bars (solid, no bottle needed) are also a popular option at many locations.

Pet Food and Treats

A growing number of refill stores carry dry dog food, cat food, and pet treats in bulk. This is a practical option for pet owners who go through food quickly and want to skip the plastic bags.

Low-Waste Home Goods

Reusable produce bags, beeswax wraps, compostable sponges, bamboo toothbrushes, safety razors, cloth napkins, and reusable food storage. These are not refillable per se, but they are durable alternatives to single-use products.

Every Store Is Different

Some refill stores focus exclusively on cleaning and body care. Others are full-service grocery stores with hundreds of bulk food items. The best way to find out what is available near you is to browse the Refill Map directory and filter by category. Each store listing shows what product categories they carry.