Whole Foods

The wildly popular Whole Foods grocery store is mostly known for having the best organic foods and prices around. However, many remain aloof to their hidden secret of great free samples. With everything from freshly baked breads and pies to fresh produce, this store is a haven for hungry high school students.

Baskin-Robbins

Who does not love free ice cream? This fun and festive ice cream food chain helps everyone indulge in the stores’ many different flavors. According to the manager of the Twinbrook Shopping Center location, there is no limit to the number of free samples a person could request. Technically, a customer could ask to try all of the 30 plus flavors and still would not be obligated to make a purchase, though we do not recommend it.

Trader Joe’s

A favorite specialty grocery store, Trader Joe’s is known for having samples out for customers to test their products before buying. Located about 20 minutes away in Springfield Plaza, this nutritional grocery store provided a sample of their Carne Asada steak to junior Katie Bui. Their Hawaiian- print work uniforms coupled with friendly customer service makes this a great place to shop and sample.

Costco

This wholesale mega-store is widely known for the free samples of food found at the end of nearly every aisle. On one side alone there were samples of apple strudel, cheesy burritos and Oreo ice cream pie. The staff is friendly and accommodating, usually turning a blind eye to customers sneaking back for their third or fourth helpings. The one downside for students is that membership, which costs about $50 per year, is required for admission into the store.