What Days Do Grocery Stores Mark Down Meat? Complete Schedule

What's In This Article

• Quick Answer: Best Days for Meat Markdowns
• Complete Markdown Schedule by Store
• Why Stores Mark Down Meat
• How to Identify Marked Down Meat
• Tips for Shopping Marked Down Meat
• Storing and Freezing Marked Down Meat
• Best Practices for Using Discounted Meat
• FAQ About Grocery Store Meat Markdowns

Quick Answer: When Do Grocery Stores Mark Down Meat?

Most grocery stores mark down meat 3-5 days before the sell-by date, typically in the early morning or evening. Markdowns often happen on specific days of the week depending on the store, with many chains offering the best discounts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. These markdown schedules help stores minimize waste while offering shoppers significant savings of 30-50% on quality meat products.

Complete Meat Markdown Schedule By Store

Walmart

• Primary Markdown Days: Monday mornings and Thursday evenings
• Markdown Amount: 30-50% off
• Best Time: Early morning (7-8 AM) or evening (7-8 PM)
• Look For: Yellow markdown stickers

Kroger

• Primary Markdown Days: Daily, with best selections on Wednesdays
• Markdown Amount: Up to 50% off
• Best Time: Early morning or after 8 PM
• Look For: Orange "Manager's Special" tags

Albertsons/Safeway

• Primary Markdown Days: Tuesdays and Fridays
• Markdown Amount: 30-50% off
• Best Time: Before 10 AM or after 7 PM
• Look For: Bright yellow or orange discount stickers

Publix

• Primary Markdown Days: Wednesday and Sunday evenings
• Markdown Amount: 30-40% off
• Best Time: After 6 PM
• Look For: Purple "Reduced For Quick Sale" stickers

Whole Foods

• Primary Markdown Days: Monday and Friday mornings
• Markdown Amount: 20-40% off
• Best Time: 8-10 AM
• Look For: Orange discount stickers

Target

• Primary Markdown Days: Monday and Thursday evenings
• Markdown Amount: Up to 30% off
• Best Time: After 5 PM
• Look For: Red clearance stickers

Aldi

• Primary Markdown Days: Wednesday mornings
• Markdown Amount: 30-50% off
• Best Time: Store opening hours
• Look For: Red discount tags

Costco

• Primary Markdown Days: Monday mornings
• Markdown Amount: 15-30% off
• Best Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
• Look For: Items with prices ending in .97 or .00

Local Butcher Shops

• Primary Markdown Days: Varies, often Monday and Thursday
• Markdown Amount: 20-40% off
• Best Time: Last hour before closing
• Look For: Ask staff about "end of day" specials

Why Grocery Stores Mark Down Meat

Grocery stores mark down meat primarily to minimize financial losses on products approaching their sell-by dates. This practice benefits both the retailer and consumer by:

• Reducing food waste and environmental impact
• Recovering partial costs on soon-to-expire products
• Creating shopping opportunities for budget-conscious consumers
• Maintaining shelf space for fresh inventory
• Building customer loyalty through perceived value opportunities

Most meat departments operate on tight profit margins (typically 3-5%), making markdown management crucial to overall profitability. By implementing strategic markdown schedules, stores can optimize their inventory while providing value to savvy shoppers.

How to Identify Marked Down Meat

Knowing how to spot marked down meat can help you maximize your savings:

1. Look for bright stickers: Most stores use brightly colored markdown stickers (yellow, orange, or red) with the discounted price clearly indicated.

2. Check specific store sections: Many stores have dedicated "Manager's Special" or "Quick Sale" sections in their meat departments.

3. Understand price codes: Some stores use specific pricing codes—items ending in .97 at Costco or .99 at many chains often indicate markdowns.

4. Observe packaging differences: Marked down meat may be repackaged or have additional stickers applied.

5. Examine color changes: Slightly darker red beef or slightly grayer chicken doesn't necessarily indicate spoilage—just oxidation. These are often marked down despite being perfectly safe when cooked properly.

Tips for Shopping Marked Down Meat

To get the best deals on marked down meat:

• Shop early or late: Visit stores early in the morning when fresh markdowns are applied or in the evening when final daily markdowns happen.

• Be flexible with your meal planning: The best deals come when you can adapt recipes to whatever cuts are on sale.

• Build relationships: Getting to know the meat department staff can lead to insider information about markdown schedules.

• Check expiration dates carefully: Ensure you can use or freeze the meat before it expires.

• Look beyond appearance: Slightly discolored packaging or meat that's beginning to brown slightly can still be perfectly safe and offers the deepest discounts.

• Shop mid-week: Many stores do inventory checks and markdowns on Wednesdays, making this an optimal day for finding deals.

• Visit multiple departments: Sometimes marked down meat appears in freezer sections or specialty meat counters.

Storing and Freezing Marked Down Meat

Proper storage is essential when purchasing marked down meat:

Immediate Use (1-2 Days)

• Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
• Store in original packaging or transfer to airtight container
• Place on lowest shelf of refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination

Extended Storage (Freezing)

• Freeze immediately if not using within 1-2 days
• Rewrap in freezer-safe packaging (remove store packaging)
• Use freezer paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or vacuum sealing for best results
• Label packages with content and date
• Most frozen meats maintain quality for 3-12 months depending on the cut

Freezer Storage Timeline

• Ground meat: 3-4 months
• Fresh beef/pork cuts: 4-12 months
• Whole chicken/turkey: 12 months
• Chicken parts: 9 months
• Bacon/sausage: 1-2 months
• Fish: 3-8 months depending on fat content

Best Practices for Using Discounted Meat

When working with marked down meat:

1. Use or freeze promptly: Ideally within 24 hours of purchase.

2. Trust your senses: Good meat should still smell fresh, not sour or ammonia-like, regardless of the sell-by date.

3. Cook thoroughly: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking temperatures:

   • Ground meats: 160°F
   • Fresh beef/pork: 145°F with 3-minute rest
   • Poultry: 165°F
   • Fish: 145°F

4. Consider cooking methods:

   • Slightly older cuts often benefit from moist cooking methods like braising or slow cooking
   • Marinating can improve flavor and tenderness of discounted cuts
   • Grinding older steaks for hamburger extends usability

5. Best by dates vs. safety: Products past the best by date are often still safe when properly stored. Use your judgment based on appearance, smell, and texture rather than strictly adhering to dates.

FAQ About Grocery Store Meat Markdowns

Are marked down meats safe to eat?

Yes, marked down meat is perfectly safe to eat when properly handled. Stores mark down meat well before it becomes unsafe, usually based on sell-by dates rather than safety concerns. Always use your senses to evaluate quality and cook thoroughly.

What's the difference between sell-by, use-by, and best-by dates?

• Sell-by dates: Instructions for retailers on inventory management
• Use-by dates: Manufacturer's suggestion for peak quality, not safety
• Best-by dates: Indication of optimal quality timeframe, but not a safety deadline

Most meat remains safe well beyond these dates when properly stored and handled.

What time of day do most stores mark down meat?

Most stores have two primary markdown times: early morning (7-9 AM) when staff first evaluates inventory, and evening (7-9 PM) for final daily markdowns. Specific timing varies by store.

How much can I save on marked down meat?

Typical markdowns range from 20-50% off regular prices, with some stores offering up to 75% off meat that needs to be sold immediately.

Can I freeze marked down meat?

Absolutely! Freezing marked down meat is highly recommended. Rewrap in freezer-safe packaging and freeze promptly for best results. Properly frozen meat maintains quality for months.

Can I ask for additional discounts on already marked down meat?

Some stores allow meat department managers discretion for additional markdowns, especially near closing time. It never hurts to politely ask, particularly for items close to their sell-by date.

What are the best marked down meats to purchase?

Expensive cuts like steaks, roasts, and specialty items offer the greatest savings when marked down. Ground meats and poultry also freeze exceptionally well when purchased at discount.

Can I return marked down meat if I'm not satisfied?

Most stores have specific policies regarding marked down meat returns. At Bargain Boxed, all sales are final to maintain our consistently low pricing structure.

Is it worth shopping specifically for marked down meat?

For budget-conscious shoppers, planning around markdown schedules can reduce meat expenses by 30-50% annually. The savings are substantial for families who consume meat regularly.

Are markdown schedules consistent year-round?

While the weekly schedule tends to remain consistent, markdown volume often increases around holidays when meat departments stock extra inventory. January and midweek often yield the best overall deals.

Finding the Best Meat Deals Year-Round

While grocery store markdowns offer excellent opportunities for savings, online retailers like Bargain Boxed provide consistent value without requiring schedule tracking or early morning shopping trips. Bargain Boxed offers premium meat selections at prices lower than grocery store markdowns, with the convenience of home delivery.

Unlike traditional retailers, Bargain Boxed maintains lower overhead costs, passing these savings directly to consumers. By eliminating membership fees and focusing on quality products at bargain prices, shoppers can access premium meats without paying premium prices.

Remember that understanding markdown schedules is just one strategy in your money-saving toolkit. Combining markdown shopping with bulk purchasing, seasonal awareness, and online bargain hunting creates the most comprehensive approach to reducing your meat budget while maintaining quality.

By following this complete markdown schedule and implementing the storage tips provided, you'll be well-positioned to take advantage of significant meat savings while enjoying high-quality protein options for your family meals.