Grocery stores operate on thin margins and fast turnover, so they hate it when inventory stops moving. When products pile up in the back room, managers are authorized to slash prices to free up capital and space. Certain categories of food are more prone to these gluts than others due to their shelf life or seasonality. Knowing which items are likely to be discounted allows you to time your shopping for maximum savings. Here are the ten foods you should watch for when inventory gets high.
1. Avocados
Avocados ripen on a very strict timeline and cannot be held in storage for long. When a store receives a shipment that is already turning soft, they have to move it that day. You will see bags of avocados marked down to a dollar to prevent them from rotting. This is the perfect time to make a huge batch of guacamole for the freezer. It is a luxury fruit that becomes cheap if you catch the glut.
2. Bananas
Bananas are the single most perishable high-volume item in the produce section. Once they develop spots, most shoppers ignore them, forcing the store to discount them heavily. You can buy huge bags of spotted bananas for pennies per pound. These are actually sweeter and better for baking bread or making smoothies. You should peel and freeze them immediately for later use.
3. Seasonal Berries
Strawberries and blueberries have a very short window of freshness once they hit the shelf. If a shipment is slightly older, the store will attach “Manager’s Special” coupons to the packages. You must inspect them carefully for mold, but they are usually fine for jam or freezing. It is the only way to get organic berries on a tight budget. You have to act fast before they spoil.
4. Ground Beef
Ground beef oxidizes and turns brown quickly, which scares away many customers despite being safe. When the meat case is full, and the sell-by dates are approaching, prices drop significantly. You can buy these family packs and brown the meat immediately for tacos or chili. It freezes perfectly once cooked, saving you time later. It is a staple protein you should never pay full price for.
5. Bagged Salads
Salad kits take up a lot of space and have very short expiration dates. When new inventory arrives, the older bags are pushed to the front with discount stickers. As long as the lettuce is not slimy, these kits are a great bargain lunch. You should eat them the same day you buy them for safety. It is a quick and cheap healthy meal.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is a cultured product that actually stays good well past its printed date. However, stores have to clear it out to make room for the next delivery truck. You can find high-quality Greek yogurt cups for a fraction of the cost. They are great for smoothies or baking if you are worried about the texture. It is a cheap source of probiotics.
7. Holiday Specific Meats
Hams after Easter and Turkeys after Thanksgiving are a logistical nightmare for grocery stores. They take up massive amounts of freezer space that the store needs for other items. You can buy these whole birds for pennies on the pound in the days following the holiday. They can be broken down or frozen whole for cheap protein all year. It is the ultimate bulk meat purchase.
8. Milk
Milk takes up valuable refrigerated real estate and has a hard expiration date. If the dairy manager over-orders, you will see gallons marked down to clear the cooler. You can freeze milk if you pour a little out to allow for expansion. It separates slightly when thawed, but it works perfectly for cooking or baking. It is a great way to save on a staple.
9. Rotisserie Chickens
Cooked chickens have a shelf life of exactly four hours in the hot case. If they do not sell by the time the timer goes off, they are chilled and sold cold. These cold chickens are often discounted to move them quickly. They are perfect for shredding into soup or chicken salad. You get the convenience of cooked meat for less money.
10. Bakery Bread
Freshly baked bread has a shelf life of one day in the eyes of the bakery manager. Loaves that do not sell by evening are bagged up and put on a clearance rack. They are often sold for less than the cost of the flour to make them. It is cheaper than buying mass-produced sandwich bread. You should slice and freeze it immediately.
The Inventory Game
Understanding the logistics of a grocery store helps you predict where the deals will be. By targeting perishable items that take up space, you can capitalize on the store’s need to clean house. It allows you to eat fresh, healthy food at prices comparable to processed food prices. You just have to be willing to cook or freeze items quickly.
What’s In Your Cart?
Which of these discounted items do you look for every time you shop? Do you have a strategy for using up nearly-expired produce? Share your food rescue tips in the comments below.
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