The clearance section of a grocery store can be a treasure trove for bargain hunters, offering deep discounts on products that are nearing their expiration date or being discontinued. However, grocery store employees, with their insider knowledge of how the store operates, know that not all clearance items are a good deal. They are aware of which products pose a potential health risk and which ones are simply a waste of money, even at a steep discount. Here are six items that grocery workers will almost always leave on the clearance shelf.
1. Dented Canned Goods
This is the number one rule for any savvy shopper, but it is especially important for grocery workers who see it all the time. While a small dent on the side of a can is usually harmless, a can with a deep dent is a major red flag. This damage can create a microscopic break in the seal. This allows air and bacteria to enter, which can lead to the risk of botulism, a potentially fatal foodborne illness.
2. Clearance Meat
The meat department will heavily mark down packages of fresh meat that are approaching their “sell-by” date. While this meat is still technically safe to eat if you cook it immediately, an employee knows just how close it is to spoiling. They understand that the “sell-by” date is the last possible day the store can sell it. They are not willing to take the risk of bringing home a product that might already be starting to turn.
3. Baby Formula and Baby Food
Employees will rarely buy clearance baby formula or food for their children. The nutritional integrity of baby formula can degrade over time. The expiration date on the package is a strict deadline for safety and quality. The risk of feeding a baby a product that is expired or has been stored improperly is simply too great to justify the small amount of money saved on a clearance deal.
4. Expired Over-the-Counter Medicine
Grocery stores may place over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or cold medicine, on the clearance rack. This happens if the box is damaged or the product has expired. A grocery worker knows that an expiration date on medicine is there for a reason. After that date, the active ingredients can lose their potency. This means the medicine will not be as effective as it needs to be.
5. Items with Damaged or Opened Packaging
The clearance section is often filled with items that have been damaged in transit or opened by other customers. An employee will always avoid a box of crackers that has been torn open or a jar of sauce with a broken safety seal. They know that this compromised packaging means the product could have been tampered with or exposed to contaminants.
6. Seasonal Items with a High-Fat Content
After a holiday, seasonal items like chocolates or baked goods with creamy fillings are heavily discounted. However, an employee knows that these items, which are high in fats and oils, can go rancid quickly. Especially if they have been sitting on the shelf for too long or have been exposed to temperature fluctuations. A box of clearance Christmas chocolates in February might seem like a great deal, but it could have a stale, unpleasant taste.
The Smartest Clearance Shopper
The key to shopping the clearance section safely is to think like a grocery store employee. You should always prioritize safety over savings. By carefully inspecting the packaging, being extremely cautious with perishable items, and understanding that some products are on clearance for a very good reason, you can find the true bargains while avoiding the deals that are too good to be true.
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Are you a fan of the grocery store clearance section? What is the best or worst deal you have ever found there? Share your stories and tips!
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