We all want to save money, especially on our weekly grocery shopping trip. We're particularly prone to succumbing to the numerous deals offered by popular convenience stores. However, there's a problem: these bargains are often nearing their expiration dates, which can jeopardize our health and increase our risk of developing certain illnesses. Also, if you don't use the products immediately, you end up wasting money instead of saving it.
While buying certain foods on sale at the supermarket is perfectly fine, it can sometimes pose a significant health risk. According to Maria Marlowe, author of *The Real Food Grocery Guide* and a holistic health and nutrition coach, “Some foods, like frozen foods, are generally fine to buy on sale, but in many cases, it’s best to think twice before buying others, as they are likely to expire very soon, or even that same day.”
The truth is, people often don't understand why grocery stores mark food items as sale items. According to some experts, many consumers don't understand the difference between "sell before" and "best before." When grocery stores put items on sale, consumers may mistakenly think these items are "bad" because they've expired. The good news? That's usually not the case. Supermarkets typically have different guidelines on how they handle items. Among the main reasons stores often put items on sale are: promotions focused on new items, helping to reduce inventory, discontinued items, and seasonal items shortly after the holidays.
So, when perishable items are nearing their expiration date, supermarkets want to move them more quickly and reduce food waste. Many supermarkets, such as Ingles Markets, even have ways to reuse items before they reach their expiration date (i.e., sell before/use before the dates) or if they have been discontinued. These might include using them for in-store food service or donating them to a food bank or food pantry. Regardless of a supermarket's intentions, there are some foods that require extra care when sold in any grocery store.
1. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables:
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables are usually quite affordable and convenient; however, in most cases, they're likely nearing their expiration date. The good news is that when they're on sale, they're a great way to save money, so the key is to use them quickly. Otherwise, even if you check their freshness and they look good, it's best to avoid them and opt for fresh, seasonal varieties.
2. Avocados.
Depending on your budget, delicious avocados can be quite expensive, making it hard to resist a bargain. However, the reality is that they're often on sale when they're overripe, which isn't the most appealing in terms of appearance or texture. The best advice is to buy a good supply of green avocados, which will ripen throughout the week and allow you to enjoy them at their peak.
3. Conventional, Non-Organic Meat
: No matter how good the price is, when it comes to animal products, quality is key. Therefore, it's always better to spend a little more on high-quality meat—that is, organic, grass-fed, and raised. If you find high-quality meat products for sale that haven't yet reached their expiration date, you might have a good opportunity to save. However, it's vital to check the expiration date and the origin of the products. Opt for the more expensive cuts that are discounted for "quick sales" as their expiration date approaches.
4. Farmed Seafood.
Seafood is often one of the more expensive sources of high-biological-value protein, which is why consumers are always excited when it's on sale. However, regardless of whether there's a special offer or not, farmed seafood isn't a favorite among experts. In fact, wild seafood is known to be a healthier option, as it generally has less PCB contamination compared to farmed seafood and is significantly lower in calories and saturated fat. Wild versions of fish and shellfish are fresher and more nutritious. For example, wild salmon has a more ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, while farmed salmon is much higher in pro-inflammatory omega-6, which isn't ideal. Depending on the fish's origin, it has been reported in recent months that farmed fish may be treated with antibiotics.
5. Cereals.
For all the boxed cereal lovers who enjoy typical supermarket deals like the traditional 2-for-1, the truth is that experts don't recommend buying them. The biggest problem isn't the expiration date, since, let's be honest, these are pantry staples with a long shelf life. The most important thing is that by buying them, you're not being as mindful of your health. Most are made with refined and sugary grains and are not good for starting the day, as a snack, or for dinner, and certainly not for children. Opt for whole grains like oats and
6. Pre-washed and packaged salad leaves:
If pre-washed and packaged salad greens are on sale, they're probably nearing their expiration date. When choosing a bag of salad leaves, always check the expiration date. It's equally important to examine the package to ensure they're fresh before buying. Often, it's quite easy to tell if they're fresh, as the leaves may appear bruised and ooze a small amount of brown liquid.
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