Best Days and Times to Shop for Grocery Discounts

Save more every week with smart grocery timing.

9/5/25

5 min. read

Grocery stores have one goal as a business: to move their products as quickly as possible. As a large portion of their inventory is perishable, it’s a constant race to sell before they have to throw it away. This means there are chances to score deals.

Stores usually have set times when they put things on sale, lower prices, or restock shelves. Smart shoppers can get the best deals by going at the right time. Whether you're looking for fresh produce, bakery discounts, or clearance items, this guide will help you figure out the best days and times to shop for grocery discounts so you can save more.

Best Days to Shop for Grocery Discounts
Best Days to Shop for Grocery DiscountsThere is no exact science to finding the best prices based on the day and time of day. However, there are general rules of thumb, and shopping experts online have their own takes on when to find the best deals.
The best way to figure this out is to ask an employee at your grocery store of choice when the best deals are. They are eager to sell their products, so finding shoppers to buy things before expiration is a win-win for everyone involved.

Again, there is no exact science. Here’s what we were able to find from experts:
Wednesday: The Best Day for Weekly Sales and Fresh Markdowns
The middle of the work week can offer great opportunities for discounts as grocery stores typically start their new sales cycle on Wednesday. This also includes restocking shelves where they may take older products and mark them down.
Sunday and Monday: Post-Weekend Perishables Markdowns
Supermarkets often reduce the prices of fresh produce, dairy, and bakery items on Sundays and Mondays to clear out weekend leftovers and make space for new shipments.
Here are a few items to look for:
- Bakery markdowns on bread, bagels, and pastries.
- Dairy products with approaching expiration dates at lower prices.
- Fresh produce that didn’t sell over the weekend.
Friday: The Best Day for Meat Discounts
Many grocery stores receive fresh meat shipments on Thursdays or Fridays, prompting them to discount older stock before the weekend rush.
If you’re able to float the bill and have the freezer space, you may consider buying in bulk and freeze it for later.
Best Times of Day to Shop for Grocery Discounts
Early Morning (6 AM – 9 AM): Fresh Markdowns on Expiring Items
If you can shop early, you’ll get first dibs on markdowns, particularly on dairy, bakery, and meat items that are near expiration but still good to use for several days.
You can potentially find items like:
- Discounted rotisserie chickens from the previous evening.
- Bakery items like muffins, bread, and bagels marked down overnight.
- Pre-packaged salads and deli items approaching their sell-by dates.
Midweek Afternoons: Best for Reduced Crowds and Fresh Stock
If early mornings and late nights don’t work for you, aim for midweek afternoons when stores restock shelves but before the evening rush begins.
This works as deliveries to grocery stores on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and they can be lower traffic days in the store.
Bonus Tips for Extra Savings
1. Shop at Discount Grocery Stores and Clearance Sections
Some supermarkets have dedicated clearance sections where you can find steep discounts on canned goods, non-perishables, and seasonal items.
2. Use Store Loyalty Programs and Digital Coupons
Many stores offer additional savings through apps or loyalty programs. Always check for digital coupons before shopping.
3. Buy in Bulk and Freeze What You Can
If you find heavily discounted meat, bread, or dairy, stock up and freeze them to extend their usability.
4. Know Your Store’s Mark-Down Schedule
Different stores discount items at different times. Get friendly with store employees or observe when markdown stickers tend to appear.
5. Combine Money Savings Apps To Save More
Apps like Upside can help shoppers save even more on expenses like groceries and gas.
6. Consider Government Assistance If Needed
If you need additional help paying for groceries, you may consider looking into government assistance programs like SNAP or WIC.

Final Thoughts

Scoring great grocery deals isn’t just about clipping coupons—it’s about shopping smart and within your budget. By timing your trips right, you can maximize discounts, reduce waste, and stretch your budget further. Whether it’s a Wednesday morning for the freshest sales or a late-night visit for end-of-day markdowns, knowing when to shop can make all the difference in your grocery bill.

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About the Author

Brett Holzhauer

Brett Holzhauer is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) who has reported for outlets like CNBC Select, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, UpgradedPoints, MoneyGeek and more throughout his career. He is an alum of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State. When he is not reporting, Brett is likely watching college football or traveling.

Best Days to Shop for Grocery Discounts

Wednesday: The Best Day for Weekly Sales and Fresh Markdowns

Sunday and Monday: Post-Weekend Perishables Markdowns

Friday: The Best Day for Meat Discounts

Best Times of Day to Shop for Grocery Discounts

Early Morning (6 AM – 9 AM): Fresh Markdowns on Expiring Items

Midweek Afternoons: Best for Reduced Crowds and Fresh Stock

Bonus Tips for Extra Savings

1. Shop at Discount Grocery Stores and Clearance Sections

2. Use Store Loyalty Programs and Digital Coupons

3. Buy in Bulk and Freeze What You Can

4. Know Your Store’s Mark-Down Schedule

5. Combine Money Savings Apps To Save More

6. Consider Government Assistance If Needed