If you’re scanning grocery shelves only for brightly colored sale tags, you’re probably overlooking some of the best discounts in the store. Grocery retailers often mark down products quietly and strategically—often in the early morning, late evening, or near expiration dates. Learning how to spot these secret markdowns can lead to serious savings on your weekly grocery bill.
Here’s what to look for and how to take advantage of markdown opportunities at your favorite grocery stores.
- Bakery and Deli Clearance
Many grocers reduce prices on baked goods at the end of the day or right before new shipments arrive. Look for a clearance rack in the bakery section with breads, rolls, and pastries that are still perfectly edible. Some stores also mark down deli meats, rotisserie chickens, or pre-packaged meals as they near the end of the sell-by window.
Examples: Day-old baked goods at Safeway.
- Meat Department Manager’s Specials
Fresh meat is expensive, but stores frequently discount it if it’s within one or two days of the sell-by date. These markdowns are usually found in the meat case with special labels like “Manager’s Special,” “Reduced for Quick Sale,” or red stickers showing the discount. Freeze meat right away if you won’t use it within a day or two.
Tip: Visit the store earlier in the morning for the best selection of marked-down meats.
- Dairy Closeouts and Short-Dated Items
Yogurt, milk, eggs, and cheese are often marked down when nearing expiration. Many of these products are still safe for consumption several days beyond the printed date if stored properly. Look for clearance bins or separate shelves in the dairy case. - Clearance Produce Sections
Some stores have a dedicated “quick sale” produce area with discounted fruits and vegetables that are bruised, slightly overripe, or oddly shaped. These are perfect for smoothies, soups, stir-fries, or baking. Buying discounted bananas, avocados, or tomatoes can cut produce costs dramatically. - Center Aisle Clearance Tags
Items that are seasonal, discontinued, or overstocked—like cereals, snacks, and condiments—may be discounted without much notice. Look for small clearance tags, usually in yellow, orange, or red, tucked near the product label. The best discounts are often found on higher-ticket packaged items nearing reset or rotation. - Household and Personal Care Markdown Bins
Many stores stash clearance household items, toiletries, and cleaning products in separate bins or shelves near the pharmacy or at aisle endcaps. These often include last-season packaging, overstocked items, or products being phased out. - Learn Store Patterns
Markdown timing and strategy vary by store. Some stores mark items down daily in the early morning, while others do it only once or twice a week. Ask store employees when markdowns typically happen—they’re often happy to share tips with regular customers. - Use Digital Tools to Track Deals
Store apps like Albertsons, Kroger, and Publix sometimes feature digital clearance items or “just for U” offers with limited-time markdowns. Combine these with weekly ad pricing or loyalty rewards to double up on savings.
Final Thoughts
Some of the best grocery savings never make it into the weekly ad. With a trained eye and flexible shopping habits, you can uncover markdowns that drastically cut your food bill. Pay attention to timing, location, and store-specific labels, and you’ll find more deals hiding in plain sight.
