Three Places Shoppers Aren't Looking (But Should Be) for Savings
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – Extreme couponing is dead. The real grocery savings aren't hiding in complicated strategies. They're hiding in timing, appearance, and community, according to a new report by News4Jax.
Shoppers who understand how stores work—and who aren't afraid to ask for deals—save hundreds every month. These hacks work at any grocery store, and none of them require you to spend hours clipping coupons.
Shop on Wednesday Mornings:
Many grocery stores reset weekly sales midweek. Some stores honor the previous week's discounts at the same time the new deals start. This overlap window—usually Wednesday through Friday morning—lets you stack deals across two sale cycles in one trip.
The bonus: Wednesday mornings are quieter. You'll spend less time navigating crowded aisles and more time finding markdowns without distractions.
Ask for the Manager's Special List:
Discounted meat, dairy, and bakery items aren't always clearly labeled. They're sitting at the service desk or butcher counter, waiting for someone to ask. Stop by and ask specifically: "What's on the manager's special list today?"
Items approaching their sell-by date but still perfectly safe get marked down 30-50%. You're buying fresh food at serious discounts.
Check the Back of the Store First:
Clearance items aren't randomly placed. They're usually near:
Dairy cases (cold items clearance)
Frozen food sections
Stock rooms and back aisles
End caps near service areas
These items get moved out of main shopping traffic. Walking straight to the back saves time and finds the real deals.
Request Free Re-wrapping at the Butcher:
Ask your butcher to divide large family-size meat packs into smaller portions at no cost. Most butcher departments do this automatically. You get better pricing on bulk meat, but in smaller portions you can actually freeze and use.
It's a simple request that saves money and reduces waste.
Shop at Ethnic and International Markets:
Ethnic grocery stores—especially Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African markets—consistently offer lower prices on:
Fresh produce (especially items common in that cuisine)
Meat and seafood
Spices and seasonings
Prepared foods and staples
You'll find chicken, ground beef, fresh vegetables, and staple grains at 20-40% lower prices than mainstream grocery stores. Plus, you discover new ingredients and cooking options.
Buy "Ugly" Produce:
Misshapen fruits and vegetables are nutritionally identical to perfect-looking produce. Many stores mark them down significantly. Apples with minor bruises, potatoes with odd shapes, carrots that aren't perfectly straight—all taste exactly the same when cooked.
Ask produce staff if they have a markdown section, or ask directly about discounts on imperfect items.
Strategic Freezing Reduces Waste:
You can safely freeze more than you think:
Bread (thaw before use)
Shredded cheese
Milk (thaw in fridge)
Herbs in olive oil
Cracked eggs (beat first, freeze in ice cube trays)
This extends shelf life and lets you buy on sale without waste. A gallon of milk on sale can be frozen for later use.
Scan Barcodes While Shopping:
Many stores offer barcode scanning apps that show unit prices. Compare the cost per ounce or pound, not just the package price. Larger packages aren't always cheaper. Some "bulk" items have worse per-unit pricing than smaller sizes.
Enable Near-Expiration Alerts:
Apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51, and store loyalty programs notify you when frequently purchased items are marked down as they approach sell-by dates. You get alerts before visiting the store, not just while you're shopping.
Skip Pre-Cut Convenience Foods:
Pre-cut produce costs 2-3 times more than whole produce. Whole fruits and vegetables require minimal prep—a knife and cutting board—but save serious money. Buy whole and prepare at home.
Looking to use these grocery hacks at your favorite stores? Use Youdle search to find ethnic markets and discount grocery options in your area, plus check which stores have manager's special sections. Share your own unusual grocery hacks and best finds in Youdle Community to help other shoppers save. Check Youdle News for more money-saving strategies. For more grocery hacks and savings tips, click here.
