What's the Cheapest Day to Buy Groceries? Data-Backed Answer
What's the Cheapest Day to Buy Groceries? Data-Backed Answer
What's in this article:
- The Single Cheapest Day to Shop for Groceries
- Day-by-Day Breakdown of Grocery Deals
- How Store Sales Cycles Work
- Tips to Maximize Your Savings
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- FAQs About Grocery Shopping
Quick Answer:
Wednesday is generally the cheapest day to buy groceries, with most stores launching their weekly sales and honoring both current and previous week's deals. Midweek shopping (Tuesday-Thursday) offers the best combination of fresh stock, fewer crowds, and maximum savings compared to weekend shopping which tends to be the most expensive.
The Single Cheapest Day to Shop for Groceries (And Why)
Looking to stretch your grocery budget further? The day you choose to shop can have a significant impact on your total bill. According to multiple studies and industry experts, Wednesday stands out as the optimal day for budget-conscious shoppers.
Most grocery stores start their weekly specials on Wednesday, making it the ideal day for your weekly shop. What makes Wednesday particularly advantageous is that many retailers will actually honor both the current week's deals and the previous week's promotions, creating what industry insiders call "double discount" opportunities.
At Bargain Boxed, we've analyzed shopping patterns extensively and consistently find that midweek shopping delivers the best value. By avoiding peak shopping days (typically Friday through Sunday when 59% of consumers do their grocery shopping), you'll not only save money but also enjoy a less hectic shopping experience.
Day-by-Day Breakdown of Grocery Deals
Different days of the week offer unique savings opportunities on specific items. Here's what the research shows about daily grocery deals:
Monday:
- Least favorable day for buying produce as research indicates it's the most expensive day to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables
- Good day for stocking up on items that were marked down over the weekend
Tuesday:
- Wine deals (up to 4% cheaper than other days)
- Early markdown items as stores prepare for midweek sales
Wednesday:
- Best day for buying bread (average 2% savings)
- Beer discounts (approximately 1% cheaper)
- Weekly sales typically begin
- Household products often discounted with typical savings of 3% compared to weekend prices
Thursday:
- Sweet and savory snacks at better prices (roughly 1% cheaper than weekend rates)
- Household products continue to be discounted
- Stores fully stocked for weekend shopping
Friday:
- Good time to buy produce and ice cream (about 1% less than weekend prices)
- Better than Saturday but more expensive than midweek
- Beginning of weekend crowds
Saturday:
- Highest prices of the week
- Most crowded shopping day
- Limited stock on sale items
Sunday:
- Better deals than Saturday if you must shop on weekends
- New manufacturer coupons typically released
- Special weekly pricing often begins
While these savings percentages might seem small, they add up significantly over time, especially when combined with other money-saving strategies.
How Store Sales Cycles Work
Understanding grocery store sales cycles is key to maximizing your savings beyond just shopping on the right day of the week.
Most grocery stores operate on sales cycles that rotate throughout the year, typically ranging from 4-12 weeks depending on the retailer. Major chains with greater buying power tend to run shorter cycles (around 6 weeks), while smaller stores might extend to 3 months between sales on the same items.
This means if you notice your favorite brand of pasta sauce on sale this week, it will likely be discounted again in approximately 6 weeks. Smart shoppers use this knowledge to stock up appropriately, buying enough to last until the next sale cycle.
At Bargain Boxed, we track these cycles carefully to offer you consistently lower prices than traditional retailers. Our ever-revolving inventory allows us to pass on savings without the need for memberships or other gimmicks that many stores use.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
Beyond choosing the right shopping day, implement these strategies to further reduce your grocery expenses:
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Shop in the late afternoon or evening on Wednesdays when stores often mark down perishable items that are approaching their best-by dates. These items are perfectly safe to consume when stored properly.
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Combine weekly sales with seasonal opportunities. Each month brings different sales opportunities tied to holidays and seasonal events. For example, baking supplies are typically discounted during November and April, while grilling items see price drops before summer holidays.
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Shop at two stores strategically. The average American shops at two grocery stores for their weekly needs to maximize cost savings and access different promotions. Make Bargain Boxed one of your regular stops for consistently lower prices.
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Be flexible with your shopping list. Plan meals around what's on sale rather than deciding on meals first and then buying ingredients regardless of price.
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Don't be afraid of items near their best-by date. At Bargain Boxed, we believe shelf-stable products stored properly are often good well past their best-by dates—that's how we pass on exceptional savings to you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even savvy shoppers sometimes fall into these costly traps:
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Shopping hungry. Studies consistently show that shopping on an empty stomach leads to impulse purchases and higher bills.
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Ignoring the sales cycle. Paying full price for items that go on sale regularly is throwing money away.
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Shopping only on weekends. According to research, 59% of consumers do their grocery shopping Friday through Sunday, which are the most expensive and crowded days. If possible, adjust your schedule for midweek shopping.
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Overlooking markdown opportunities. Many stores mark down perishable items in the evening as they approach their sell-by dates—these markdowns can offer significant savings on perfectly good food.
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Assuming all sales are good deals. Some "sales" simply aren't worth it. Compare regular prices at discount stores like Bargain Boxed before getting excited about a supposed bargain elsewhere.
FAQs About Grocery Shopping
What time of day is cheapest to buy groceries? Late afternoon to evening (especially on Wednesdays) often yields the best deals as stores mark down perishables that are approaching their sell-by dates.
How can I save money if I can only shop on weekends? If weekend shopping is your only option, Sunday is generally cheaper than Saturday. Shop early in the day for the best selection and look for stores that honor the previous week's sales.
Are online grocery prices higher than in-store prices? According to research, online grocery orders tend to be more expensive. The average online grocery shopping session costs around $174, significantly higher than in-store shopping. However, the convenience may outweigh the cost difference for many shoppers.
How often should I shop for groceries? The average person makes about 6 grocery store trips or orders per month. Finding the right balance between too frequent (which leads to impulse buys) and too infrequent (which can result in food waste) is key.
Do I need a membership to shop at Bargain Boxed? No! Unlike other discount grocers, Bargain Boxed doesn't require any membership fees. We keep prices lower than anywhere else online by eliminating unnecessary costs and passing those savings directly to you.
Are products past their best-by date safe to consume? For shelf-stable products stored properly, the best-by date is merely a manufacturer's suggestion for peak quality, not safety. Many products remain perfectly safe and delicious well beyond this date, which is how Bargain Boxed can offer such incredible savings.
Shopping smarter isn't just about what you buy—it's about when you buy it. By making Wednesday your regular grocery shopping day and implementing the strategies we've outlined, you can significantly reduce your food expenses without sacrificing quality or nutrition. At Bargain Boxed, we're committed to helping you maximize your grocery budget through our consistently low prices and helpful shopping guidance.
Remember, the key to grocery savings is knowledge. Now that you know the cheapest day to buy groceries and understand how store pricing cycles work, you're well-equipped to make your food budget stretch further than ever before.