A world of hidden treasures awaits you just behind those perfectly lined, shiny grocery shelves. You know, the item that screams “I’m fresh!” I’m new! I’m a trendy choice! But smart shoppers like us aren’t fooled. We know that the real treasure trove is in the discount section. There, the product tiptoes toward its expiration date, waiting for someone brave (and frugal) to pick it up.
Think of it like an adventurous treasure hunt. But instead of buried treasure chests full of doubloons, we’re talking half-price yogurt, while supplies last steaks, and cheeses that are slightly more “aged” than usual.
Pick up your metaphorical treasure map and dive into this uncharted world of discounted items before your budget runs out.
The mirage of “best before” dates: What do those dates mean?
Before you start shopping around for discounts, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: expiration dates.
Beware of spoilers. It’s not as final as it seems.
In fact, “best before” does not mean “expired”.
It’s like, “I can’t guarantee this will taste this good after this day, but it probably won’t kill me.”
Most products, especially non-perishable foods such as crackers, cereals, and canned goods, are perfectly safe past their best-before dates.
You may lose some of the best freshness, but let’s be real. How many times have you eaten a slightly stale cookie and thought, “Well, it’s still pretty good.”
Comparison of expiry date and best before date
When it comes to “use by” and “best before” dates, keep in mind that use by dates relate to safety, while best before dates relate to quality. Don’t ignore expiration dates when it comes to things like infant formula and meat. Best By has even more flexibility and is concerned with freshness, quality and flavor.
Stores you should stalk for discounts
Now that you’ve cracked the best-before code, let’s move on to the fun part: shopping.
Some grocery stores, like ALDI, simply sell meat, bread, and produce at a quick discount.
Other stores, such as Safeway, have decided to stop discounting prices as shoppers move clearance stickers onto full-priced items.
So, here are some stores that are popular for cutting prices on expired foods.
Related article: Best fast food ducks that will save you big
1. Target: Trading goal
Yes, that target. This isn’t just a place you come to for the cute cushions, new lamps you no longer need, or the $5 Starbucks coffee at the entrance.
Target’s grocery section also has an impressive collection of discounts.
As expiration dates approach, Target employees start putting fancy yellow and red clearance stickers on everything from refrigerated goods to dry goods.
You’ll find discounts on dairy products, bread, and meat.
Pro tip: Get the meat where you want it
A Target employee told me that the 25% discount on meat starts 2-3 days before the “use/freeze by” date. And the day before this day, the price of meat will be reduced by 50%. Use this information to decide when to buy and stock up your freezer for cheap.
And if you’re lucky, you might find a high-end deli or snack that’s still perfectly fine, but is “too close” to its expiry date at full price.
Warning: Be prepared. These clearance stickers will become your new obsession.
Start searching every aisle like an undercover cop for the next discount.
See also: How to find your target salvage store and save a lot of money
2. Walmart: Low prices and more discounts.
Walmart is known for its everyday low prices, but it also has a not-so-secret markdown section for expiring items.
This is especially true for the meat, bakery and dairy sections. There, you want to move your inventory quickly before it technically “expires” (but again, it’s still safe to buy!).
pro tips
A Walmart employee told me that daily discounts end by 8 a.m., so if you shop between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., you’ll be among the first to get deals on meat and bakery items. is. Look for discounted bakery items in a separate ‘price reduction section’. The discounted meat is mixed in with full-priced products.
Walmart doesn’t have as many unique gourmet items as Grocery Outlet or Target, but it’s great for basic groceries like milk, eggs, and bread.
Plus, if you time your trip wisely, you can get great discounts on family-sized packs of meat, perfect for stocking up and freezing for later.
If you really want to save money, pay attention to the little corner where all the baked goods are placed before they say goodbye.
You can also walk out with enough discounted donuts and muffins to keep your co-workers fat and satisfied for a week.
3. Trader Joe’s: Yes, we also offer discounts.
Trader Joe’s may seem too cool to discount, but guess what? They also like to clean house when expiration dates approach.
While there isn’t usually a specific clearance section, smart shoppers know to look for discounted items as expiration dates approach.
The best part? We never sacrifice quality. With TJ’s markdowns, you can get organic almond butter, premium hummus, and vegan cheese for a fraction of the price.
pro tips
Flowers at Trader Joe’s are also sometimes discounted. So not only can you buy a cheap dinner, but you can also get yourself a bouquet of flowers. Because you, my friend, deserve it. Or for someone special, that of course works too.
SEE ALSO: Trader Joe’s Employees Tell Us Best Buy Products
4. Whole Foods: For upscale frugal shoppers.
Now, listen. Whole Foods is not known for its low prices.
In fact, most of us associate it with spending too much money on kombucha and artisan cheese.
But for those looking for a deal, there are secret areas here too.
Whole Foods tends to discount perishable items like meat, seafood, and baked goods as they approach their expiry date.
Yes, it’s true. You can eat like a health-conscious millionaire without spending a fortune.
Amazon Prime members also get an extra 10% off sale items, so it feels like you’re essentially giving this product away for free. (Of course, I might not give it away, but at least I won’t have to sell my kidney to buy groceries this week.)
Pro tip: About Wednesdays
A friendly Whole Foods employee told me that Wednesday is always the best day to shop. Not only are stores less crowded than on the weekends, but it’s also the time when a new weekly sales cycle begins. So you can be the first to know and take advantage of new items and sales before the really great deals sell out.
5. Winco Foods: Savings in 10 US states
Unfortunately, Winco Foods is only available in 10 western states, but I shop there regularly so I had to add it to the list.
Make Winco’s Green Tag your best friend as it is a product that has started its price reduction schedule.
It is primarily found in bread, meat, and some agricultural products.
If it’s not sold out, the tag will be red, meaning “great deal” and the best deal you can find in the store.
It’s the perfect time to stock up on meat and bread and put it in the freezer for later use.
Pro tip: Buy early at WINCO
Winco stores are open 24 hours a day, so shop early in the morning. The sooner the better to keep the store quiet. And more importantly, new price drops tend to be added early in the morning and are often all recouped by mid-afternoon, so it’s important to buy it first.
SEE ALSO: Shop on the right day…12 tips for store markdown days
6. Grocery Store: Discount Disneyland
Grocery Outlet is a well-known party venue with great bargains.
This store is lined with products that are nearing or past their expiration dates, but are still edible (and delicious).
It’s like the Robinhood of grocery stores, from expensive mainstream chains to those of us who are budget-conscious.
You’ll find everything here, from gourmet cheeses to organic meats. Everything is sold at such a low price that you feel like you got something.
One shopper described this Friday as “Black Friday, but without an elbow to the face.”
pro tips
Don’t get too attached to what you buy here. Grocery outlet inventory changes faster than a toddler’s mood. What’s there one week may be gone the next, so if you see a deal, grab it.
7. Local grocery chains: an untapped treasure trove
Finally, don’t forget to check your local grocery chain.
Local stores each have their own markdown practices, and items such as meat, dairy, and bakery items often drop in price as they approach their expiry date.
Some local stores like Kroger and Publix have special “Manager’s Specials” where you can get deep discounts on everything from fresh produce to bakery treats.
These local stores often have more sporadic markdown schedules, so ask your employees about the markdown schedule and keep it in mind.
SEE ALSO: Ultimate Buying Guide: Best Day of the Week to Buy
Timing is everything: How to maximize your savings
To really win big in the markdown game, you need to understand that timing is everything.
Most stores offer discounts on items early in the morning, while others offer discounts later in the day or just before closing.
The key is to find out when stores typically offer price reductions.
Ask an employee, or better yet, become a regular so they can call you by name and let you know about upcoming deals.
For perishable products such as meat and dairy products, price reductions typically occur within a few days of the best-before date.
When shopping, be sure to check the discount section first.
This is like eating dessert right away, which is perfectly fine in this context.
Also, don’t forget about holidays. The day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a major holiday, stores often mark down leftover items that are still perfectly delicious but didn’t sell on the big day.
See also: All Popular Store Brands Made by Famous Brands
Play it safe: How to take advantage of price cuts and shop smarter
Shopping at discounts is a great way to save money, but we’re not advocating recklessly abandoning food that’s about to expire.
There are some simple guidelines to follow to ensure you get great benefits without hurting your stomach.
Please check the package. If something is leaking, bulging, or just looking sad, skip it.
Sniffing: While this isn’t always possible in the store (people might look at you strangely if you start smelling raw chicken in the meat aisle), be sure to smell the product when you get home. Please smell it. If you notice a strange smell, trust your nose and throw it away.
Freeze: One of the best ways to take advantage of price reductions is to buy in bulk and freeze what you don’t use right away.
Meat, bread, and even some dairy products like shredded cheese can be frozen for later use.
Use it up quickly: If you buy something with an expiration date near, plan to use it up quickly.
This may mean adjusting your weekly meal plan, but hey, that’s the price of a bargain.
Happy bargain hunting, inflation busters!
Ask our readers: Which national grocery stores are offering discounts before sell-by or use-by dates? Let us know in the comments.
Written by Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save money at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Costco. Ta. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and The New York Times for my money-saving tips. (learn more)
