Ways to Find, Shop & Save at Salvage Grocery Stores

Discover smart ways to shop and save at salvage grocery stores. Learn how to find these hidden gems, score big discounts on everyday essentials!

Salvage Grocery Stores

What is a Salvage Grocery Store?

We recently showed you Ways to Find, Shop & Save at Liquidation Stores and now we’re going to show you Ways to Find, Shop & Save at Salvage Grocery Stores!

A salvage grocery store sells discounted food that is nearing its "best by" date, has slightly damaged packaging, discontinued items, seasonal overstock, or is something otherwise considered unsellable by traditional grocery stores, manufacturers, and distributors. What this means for you is significant savings! Items are often marked down between 50-70% off. You’ll discover items like canned goods, produce, and everyday staples.  The inventory can vary widely though, so a shopping trip can in ways turn into quite a treasure hunt. This means what you find one week, you may not find the next, so you’ll want to jump on any deals that catch your eye.

Salvage grocery stores provide budget-friendly options for consumers. They also give a home to quality products that would otherwise be discarded. These stores really do offer an economical and ecological way to shop for quality groceries.

What to Know Before You Go

It’s important that when shopping a salvage grocery store that you are flexible and allow extra time to shop. Inventory is going to vary, but that’s not a bad thing. You might be inspired by what’s available to make a dish your family wouldn’t normally have just based on what’s available. And like I mentioned above, it can be a treasure hunt, so leave yourself some extra time to browse and explore.

Another thing you will want to consider ahead of time is finding out what are the store’s accepted payment methods. Some retailers may not accept credit cards, while others might offer an additional discount if you pay with cash. This will definitely play factor in your saving strategy.

Salvage grocery stores may only be open on certain days or for a limited number of hours each day. Call ahead before you go and find out their schedule. This is also a perfect time to inquire as to if they have an inventory refresh schedule or if there are certain days that trucks arrive. You can plan your trip with the hopes of shopping at a time with the most inventories.

You probably won't be able to do all of your grocery shopping at the salvage store given an unpredictable inventory. You simply cannot count on salvage grocery stores to have the same things from week to week or everything on your grocery list. Definitely stock up when you see something you want, but assume that you’ll need to finish up or fill in at the regular grocery store.

Tips for Shopping at Salvage Grocery Stores

  • Shop Midweek. Visit stores Wednesday through Friday when new shipments arrive and selection is at its best — this will give you access to 40% more inventory
  • Check Expiration Dates. Items close to expiration offer the deepest discounts but you should plan to use them quickly. If you’re good meal planning, this would be great for you.
  • Bring Your Own Bags. Many salvage grocery stores offer small discounts for bringing reusable bags. The alternative is that they may charge for bags. Bringing your own bags prepares you for either scenario.
  • When in doubt, don't buy. You should inspect everything you plan to buy and always trust your judgment on product condition. If you’re even the slightest bit concerned, simply don’t buy it.
  • All sales are final. Salvage grocery stores don't usually accept returns, so keep that in mind as you select your purchases.

Where do I Find Salvage Grocery Stores near Me?

Salvage Grocery Stores

There are several ways you can find salvage grocery stores near you. One is the good old tried-and-true Google method of searching “Salvage Grocery Stores near me”. It’ll use your location to find ones near you. In addition to an address and phone number, Google will even note any website they might have too.

There are also several websites that can guide you:

You’ll also want to ask around.  If you live near an Amish community, there's probably an Amish-run salvage store nearby.

Do salvage stores accept SNAP/EBT benefits?

Many salvage grocery stores do accept SNAP/EBT benefits, making them an excellent resource for families looking to stretch their food budgets. You’ll want to check with your individual store to be certain.

What types of products can I find?

You can find a wide variety including canned goods, boxed items, snacks, beverages, frozen foods, dairy products, bread, produce, health and beauty items, cleaning supplies, and more. Inventory changes weekly if not daily, so keep checking back.

Are the products sold at salvage grocery stores safe to consume?

All salvage grocery stores must follow the same FDA food safety standards as traditional grocery retailers. Items with damaged packaging are required to be carefully inspected to ensure the food inside remains uncompromised. Safety measures and quality standards at salvage grocery stores are enforced just like they are anywhere else, making it perfectly safe.

How often should I visit for the best deals?

My best advice is visit 1-2 times per week. Most stores receive new shipments on specific days (always during the week, never on weekends) and add to their inventory shortly thereafter. My personal preference is shopping mid-week and first thing in the morning for the best selection.

Want to find even more savings at salvage stores and grocery stores? Check out these additional ways to save:

- Mary