The Cheapest Days to Shop for Groceries, According to Experts
Most people plan their grocery trips around convenience—but the day you shop can significantly impact how much you spend. Grocery pricing cycles aren’t random. In fact, experts and store insiders agree that specific days of the week tend to offer better deals, more markdowns, and fresher inventory.
Here’s what to know about the best times to shop if you’re serious about saving money on groceries.
Midweek Shopping = Maximum Savings
According to Money Digest, the cheapest day to shop for groceries are typically Wednesdays.. That’s when most supermarkets roll out their new weekly sales flyers, which means fresh markdowns are active and inventory is well-stocked.
Shopping on Wednesday also gives you the advantage of overlapping deals. Some stores, such as Publix, allow you to access both the outgoing and incoming weekly specials, effectively doubling your discount potential.
Early Morning for Best Selection on Markdowns
If you’re hunting for manager’s specials—those orange-stickered discounts on meat, bakery items, and deli goods—plan to shop early in the morning. Most grocery stores mark down perishable items shortly after opening, when stock rotation takes place.
Chains like Safeway, Albertsons, and Walmart typically mark down meat, dairy, and baked goods close to expiration, offering up to 50% off.
Avoid Weekends if You Want to Save
Weekends may be convenient, but they’re also the worst time to look for deals. Crowded aisles and depleted shelves mean fewer markdowns and less time for thoughtful shopping. You’re also more likely to make impulse purchases when navigating a busy store.
If weekends are your only option, consider shopping late Sunday evening, when some stores begin preparing for Monday markdowns.
Loyalty Programs Can Give You a Scheduling Edge
Some stores give exclusive early access to deals through loyalty memberships. For instance:
- Kroger Boost members may see personalized promotions ahead of public flyers.
- Safeway Just for U offers targeted deals that rotate midweek and vary by shopping habits.
These programs often include digital coupons and personalized pricing based on your past purchases.
Pair Your Trip with Digital Coupons
Regardless of the day you shop, maximize savings by activating digital coupons before you go. Stores like Food Lion and Giant offer weekly e-coupon programs that sync with their loyalty cards, saving you money automatically at checkout.
Final Tip
While convenience matters, shifting your grocery shopping to midweek—especially on Wednesday mornings—can save you real money. Combine that timing with digital coupons, loyalty programs, and markdown awareness to consistently get more for your budget.
