Monday is the day of reckoning at the grocery store. It is the day when employees have to sort through and deal with all the products that did not sell over the busy weekend. While the store is quieter and less crowded, it is often the worst day of the week to buy certain perishable items. Grocery store employees, with their insider knowledge of the store’s delivery and stocking schedules, say that you should be extra cautious when buying these eight items on a Monday.
1. Fresh Seafood
This is the number one rule that every grocery worker lives by. Most stores get their fresh seafood deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays to prepare for the weekend rush. This means that the fish you see in the seafood case on a Monday is very likely the leftover, unsold inventory from the weekend. It is at least two or three days old at that point, making it a risky purchase.
2. Pre-Cut Produce
The pre-cut fruits and vegetables in the produce section are a huge convenience. However, most of the cutting and packaging for these items is done in-store daily. The products that are for sale on a Monday morning are often the leftovers that were prepped on Friday. This means they are not as fresh and will have a much shorter shelf life once you get them home.
3. Deli-Sliced Meats
Like the seafood counter, the deli also has a specific rhythm. The busiest days are Friday and Saturday. This means that on Monday, the deli case is often filled with the last remnants of the weekend’s stock. An employee knows that it is better to wait for the new deliveries to arrive mid-week to get the absolute freshest sliced meats and cheeses.
4. Hot Bar and Salad Bar Items
The self-serve hot bar and salad bar are often at their worst on a Monday. The store may try to use up any leftover ingredients from the weekend in the morning’s offerings. This can lead to a less-than-fresh selection. An employee knows to wait until after the new deliveries have arrived and the kitchen has been fully restocked to get the best quality food from these bars.
5. “Freshly Baked” Bread
The in-store bakery is at its busiest on the weekends. This means that on a slow Monday morning, the bakery may not be producing as much new bread. The loaves that are on the shelf might be the unsold stock from Sunday. For the absolute best and freshest loaf of bread, it is always better to shop on a busier day.
6. Sushi
The pre-packaged sushi sold in most grocery stores is made fresh daily. However, the “sell by” date is often the day it is made. On a Monday, the sushi you see in the case might be the last of the previous day’s batch. A grocery worker who loves sushi will almost always wait to buy it until after the sushi chef has made a fresh batch for the day.
7. Markdown Meats
While you can find some great deals in the markdown meat section, you should be extra careful on a Monday. The “sell by” date on these packages is often that very day. This means that the meat you are buying is at the absolute end of its shelf life. An employee knows that this is the last possible chance for the store to sell it before it must be thrown away.
8. Rotisserie Chickens
A hot rotisserie chicken is a popular dinner item. The store will often cook a large batch on Sunday to meet the weekend demand. Any unsold, cold chickens from Sunday are then repackaged and sold in the refrigerated section on Monday at a discount. While this is a good deal, an employee knows that it is not the freshest option available.
The Weekend Hangover
Shopping on a Monday can feel like you are dealing with a “weekend hangover” at the grocery store. The shelves are have picked-over remnants of the weekend rush. While the store is quieter, the quality and freshness of its most perishable items are often at their lowest point of the week. By understanding the store’s weekly cycle, you can time your shopping trip to get the best possible products.
What is your favorite day of the week to go grocery shopping? Do you have any other tips for avoiding the weekend leftovers? Let us know!
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The post Behind the Scenes: 8 Things Grocery Employees Say You Should Never Buy on Mondays appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
