The 6 Stores Known for BIG Markdowns Near “Best-By” Dates

Behind the shiny, neatly arranged shelves of groceries lies a world of hidden treasures waiting for you. “I’m fresh! I’m new! I’m the trendy choice!” But smart shoppers like us aren’t fooled. The real gold mine is Markdown SectionItems approaching their expiration date are waiting for someone brave (and thrifty) enough to grab them.

Think of it like an adventurous treasure hunt, but instead of a buried treasure chest full of gold coins, we’re talking half-price yogurt, bargain steaks, and cheeses that are just a little more “aged” than usual.

So grab your metaphorical treasure map and dive into the unknown world of discounted items before your budget expires.

The “best before” illusion: what do those dates really mean?

Before you start looking for discounts, let’s address the important issue first. expiration date.

Spoiler alert—they Not final It looks just like it does.

The truth is, “expiration date” Doesn’t mean “Bad After”.

it is, “I can’t guarantee it’ll still taste the same after this date, but it won’t kill you.”.

Most products, especially non-perishable products like crackers, cereals, and canned goods, are perfectly fine past their expiration date.

They may have lost a little of their prime freshness, but let’s be realistic: How many times have you eaten a slightly stale cookie and thought, “meh, it’s still plenty tasty”?

Stores to look out for when selling prices

Now that you know your expiration date codes, it’s time for the fun part: shopping.

In the grocery store Aldi All they do is sell meat, bread and produce quickly and at a discount.

Other stores Like Safeway It was made a policy Stop The prices were slashed after shoppers placed clearance sale stickers on full-priced items.

So, below we will introduce you to some stores that are meccas for discounting food that is nearing its expiration date.

1. Grocery Outlet: Disneyland of Discounts

Grocery Outlet It has become known as the place to find great bargains.

This store is full of items that are close to their expiration date or have passed their expiration date, but are still edible (and delicious).

They’re like the Robin Hood of grocery stores, taking products from pricey mainstream chains and giving them to us budget-conscious people.

Here you’ll find everything from gourmet cheeses to organic meats at prices so low they feel like a bargain.

One shopper described it as “Black Friday without the elbow to the face.”

Pro Tip

Don’t get too attached to what you buy here: Grocery Outlet’s inventory changes faster than a toddler’s moods. What’s there one week may be gone the next, so if you see a great deal, grab it quickly.

See also: Shop on the right days…12 tips for store markdown days

2. Target: The object of a transaction

Yes, it is targetIt’s not just a place to go for cute throw pillows, a new lamp you don’t need, or a $5 coffee from the Starbucks at the entrance.

Target also has impressive discounts in the grocery department.

Target employees start pounding the sweet treats as the expiration date nears. Yellow and red clearance sticker For everything from refrigerated goods to dry goods.

Discounts on dairy, bread and meat.

And if you’re lucky, you might find some premium deli items or snacks that are too close to their expiration date to buy at full price, but are still perfectly fine.

Warning: prepare yourself, sale stickers are going to become your new obsession.

You’ll start scanning every aisle like an undercover cop, searching for the next discount.

Pro Tip: Target Meat

A Target employee told me, Meat prices reduced by 25% 2-3 days before “Use/freeze period”And the day before, meat is 50% off, so use this information to time your purchases and stock your freezer cheaply.

See also: How to Find Thrift Store Deals at Target and Save Big

3. Walmart: Low prices and even lower discounts

Walmart Though they’re known for their everyday low prices, they also have a not-so-secret markdown section for items approaching their expiration date.

This is especially true in the meat, bread, and dairy sections, as these are the sections where you want to get rid of your stock fast, before it technically “expires” (but, again, it’s still safe to buy).

Walmart doesn’t have as many unique or gourmet items as Grocery Outlet or Target, but it does have a good selection of basic grocery items like milk, eggs, and bread.

Plus, if you time your trip well, you can get great discounts on family-sized packs of meat, perfect for stocking up and freezing.

If you really want to save money, keep an eye out for the little section with baked goods before they sell out.

If you walk out of the store with enough discounted donuts and muffins, your coworkers will be fat and happy for a week.

Pro Tip

Walmart employees I go shopping every day because the sale ends by 8pm. Between 8am and 9am Be the first to know about specials on meat and bakery products.

4. Trader Joe’s: Yes, they offer discounts.

Trader Joe’s You might think they’re too cool for discounts, but guess what? They also do a deep clean when products are nearing their expiration date.

There usually isn’t a special clearance section, but savvy shoppers know to look for discounted items as their expiration dates approach.

The best part is, they’re not sacrificing quality: TJ’s markdowns mean you can get organic almond butter, a variety of premium hummus, and vegan cheeses for a fraction of the regular price.

Pro Tip

Trader Joe’s also occasionally discounts flowers, so not only can you get a cheap dinner, but you can also buy yourself a bouquet of flowers, because you deserve it, or of course, buy them for someone special.

SEE ALSO: Trader Joe’s Employees Tell Us Their Best Buys

5. Whole Foods: For the luxury budget shopper

Okay, listen. Whole Foods They’re not known for low prices.

In fact, most of us imagine spending a lot of money on kombucha and artisanal cheese.

But for bargain hunters, there are secret areas here too.

Whole Foods tends to discount perishable items like meat, seafood, and bakery products as they approach their expiration dates.

Yes, it’s true: you can eat like a billionaire without spending like a health-conscious billionaire.

and Amazon Prime Members get an extra 10% off sale items, so it essentially feels like a free gift (well, maybe it’s not free, but at least you won’t have to sell a kidney to buy groceries this week).

Pro Tip: Wednesday

A friendly Whole Foods employee told me, Wednesday It’s always a great day to shop: not only are the stores less crowded than on the weekend, but it’s also the day when a new weekly sales cycle begins, so you can take advantage of new products and sales before anyone else. in front The really great deals sell out.

6. Winco Foods: Savings in 10 states

unfortunately, Winco Foods It only exists in 10 western states, Had I’ll be adding it to my list as I’ll be shopping there regularly.

make Winco Green Tag These are your best friends as they are the products that have started their price reduction schedule.

It is used primarily in bread, meat and some produce.

If it’s not sold out, the tag red This means “super bargain” and is the best deal you’ll find in the store.

This is a great time to stock up on meat and bread and store them in the freezer for later use.

Pro tip: Shop early at WINCO

Winco stores are open 24 hours a day. Please purchase early In the morning. The earlier you go, the quieter the place will be, and more importantly, Be the first to get new discounted items That’s because they tend to be added early in the morning and are often all bought up by mid-afternoon.

7. Local grocery chains: an untapped gold mine

Finally, don’t forget to check out your local grocery chains.

Local stores have their own discounting habits and often reduce prices on items like meat, dairy and bread as their expiration dates approach.

Among the local stores are Kroger or PublixSpecial “Manager’s Special” You can get everything from fresh produce to bakery products at deep discounts.

These local stores often have irregular schedules for discounts. Ask Your Employees Learn about the markdown schedule and commit it to memory.

Also see: Ultimate Buying Guide: Best Days of the Week to Shop

Timing is everything: How to maximize your savings

To really win big in the markdown game, you need to understand one thing. Timing is everything.

Most stores mark down items early in the morning, but some mark down items later in the day or just before closing time.

The key is to know when your store typically offers price reductions.

Ask Your Employees Or, even better, become a regular customer, be called by name, and get notified about upcoming sales.

For fresh food Meat and DairyPrices are usually reduced when a product is within a few days of its expiration date.

When shopping, always check the discount section first.

It’s almost like going straight to dessert, which is totally fine in this situation.

And don’t forget the holidays: The day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other big holidays, stores often mark down the prices of leftover items that didn’t sell before the holiday but are still usable.

See: Popular store brands manufactured by famous brands

Shop Safe: How to Shop Smarter for Discounts

Yes, buying discounted items is a great way to save money, but we’re not advocating reckless consumption of food that’s nearing its expiration date.

There A few simple guidelines You should follow it so you can get a good deal instead of a stomach ache.

Please check your package: If anything is leaking, bulging, or just looks miserable, skip it.

Give it a sniff: While this isn’t always possible in the store (you might get some funny looks if you start smelling raw chicken in the meat section), be sure to give the items a sniff when you get home. If it smells funny, trust your nose and throw it out.

Freeze: One of the best ways to take advantage of price reductions is Buy in bulk and freeze Something that you won’t use right away.

Meat, bread, and even dairy products like shredded cheese can be frozen to eat later.

Get started right away: When purchasing items that are nearing their expiration date, plan to use them up soon.

It might mean adjusting your weekly meal plan, but hey, that’s the price you pay for a bargain.

Enjoy your bargain hunt! Inflation prevention.

Question for readers: Have I missed any national grocery stores that are discounting items before their sell-by or best-by dates? Let me know in the comments!

Kyle James