As we often bemoan the absence of a Trader Joe’s and a Central Market or HEB in Denton, let's be real - Denton is chock full of grocery stores. We’ve got three Krogers (the hellish one on University, the giant one on 288, and the fancy one on Teasley), an Albertsons, three Wal-Marts (the old one on 288, the new one holding down Rayzor Ranch, and the cute little neighborhood one on Teasley), a Super Target, a WinCo, Natural Grocers, the Cupboard, Aldi, Sprouts, La Azteca and La Michoacana. That doesn’t even count Sam’s Club, which is the best place to buy your giant jar of pickles. But there is one grocer that often flies under the radar, and isn’t often mentioned - Drug Emporium. Read on to find out why Drug Emporium on University Dr. is actually one of our favorite places to shop, and what you should keep your eyes peeled for.
Foodie pantry staples: Duck fat, beef tallow, Sir Kensington’s mayonnaise, twenty kinds of coconut oil, ghee, hard to find salad dressings and more are all awaiting you on their shelves. Feeding friends and loved ones who are vegan, gluten free, grain free or paleo? They’ve got you covered.
All of the nut butters: Love peanut butter? How about almond butter? Cashew butter? Love peanut butter but you’re allergic to all of the nuts? They’ve got a no-nut butter for that as well. Welcome to nut butter paradise friends. Get your fancy toast and smoothie bowls ready.
The perfume counter: We’re not sure if this is just something left over from generations before our time, but there is legitimately a counter in the cosmetics section that sells legit perfumes. Burberry, Polo, Bijan, Chanel and more.
Those bright orange stickers: Not sure how much something is? Can’t find the price marker on the shelf? Found a great product in the wrong place? Drug Emporium labels each of their items with a bright orange price tag, so you’re never going to forget that you spent 3.65 on a carton of milkadamia. Red sticker got you confused? That’s a sale price - enjoy it while it lasts. You’ll find these all over the store on a few great items.
Nut milks galore: You’re one time stint on Whole 30 ruined you from enjoying milk on the regular ever again. Lucky for you there is more than just soy milk and almond milk available. Try your hand coconut milk (which makes a great latte), cashew milk, and (our personal fave) macadamia milk.
The creepy Beanie Babies everywhere: Okay, we think they’re actually called Beanie Boos, but you know what we’re talking about. They’re all over the place, turn the corner looking for some natural laundry detergent, and they’re just chilling in a mid-aisle display, or peering down at you from the top of the Cosmetics area.
Legit hair products: Actual salon quality shampoos, conditioners and more. Bumble and Bumble, Aveda, Pureology, Paul Mitchell, and way more selection than you’ll find in your average grocery store.
Alt-sodas: Want a refreshing soda with lemon, elderflower and tarragon? Check. Always wanted to try a sparkling grapefruit ginger Yerba Mate? Got that too. Lavender soda is just what you need? We get that. We also love fancy soda. Who doesn’t? Luckily there is a almost a full aisle dedicated to this.
Crazy kinds of chips: Tired of Lays? So are we. Luckily they’ve got the chips your little heart has been pining for that you didn’t even know existed. Grain free? Gluten free? Just want to try something that is more interesting than Ranch, sour cream and cheddar, or buffalo flavor? Head over to the ‘Vitamins Plus’ area and check out the chips you didn’t even think were possible.
Chicken poop: Normally the checkout line has a few last minute grab-able purchases that you may actually need (a pack of batteries) and a few that you don’t (that bag of Fritos and the cookies and cream Hershey’s bar), but Drug Emporium keeps it interesting by stocking the strangest (or most interesting) stuff - like a lip balm called Chicken Poop. Apparently they carry a tinted version in the cosmetics section.
We know they don't carry fresh produce. And we're not saying you should replace the fresh veggies in your life with protein bars and miracle noodles. But for all of the other things that fill your grocery cart, Drug Emporium has you covered. Got a few favorites we didn't mention? (Raw milk cheese and Froodles come to mind.) Leave them in the comments below!
