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Tips for Shopping at Salvage Grocery Stores

The 10 Best Foods to Buy at Salvage Grocery Stores


Products shown in the images below are for illustrative purposes only. The brands and flavors available at salvage grocery stores change often and will vary by store. Bread is not available at all salvage grocery stores.

Buy Canned Goods at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Canned Foods

Canned items are one of the best items to buy at salvage grocery stores. That's because the shelf life of most canned goods is 2 to 5 years or more. High acid foods such as tomatoes and other fruit will keep their best quality up to 18 months. Low acid foods such as meat and vegetables area at their best for 2 to 5 years. If cans are in good condition with no dents, swelling, or rust and have been stored in a cool, clean, dry place they are safe indefinitely. From hearty soups and nutritious fruits and vegetables to savory broths and gravies, as well as canned proteins like chicken and fish, you're bound to find a vast and varied selection of canned goods at your local salvage grocery store. And with prices slashed up to 80% off, you can stock your pantry with all your favorite canned goods without breaking the bank.
Buy Frozen Foods at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Frozen Foods

Frozen foods are one of the best purchases you can make at salvage grocery stores because they have a long shelf life. Frozen foods are good for at least a year beyond the “sell by” date on the label if kept frozen at 0°F or less. If your local salvage grocery store sells frozen foods, you'll usually find a wide variety of options — including vegetables, meats, seafood, desserts and prepared meals — typically sold at a significant discount compared to traditional grocery stores. You can almost always find frozen foods to meet your dietary needs and preferences. Frozen foods can be stored in the freezer for a long period of time, making them a great option for busy people who don't have time to cook every night. Buying frozen foods at salvage grocery stores is a great way to save money, reduce food waste, and enjoy convenient and delicious meals.
Buy Coffee at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Beverages

Quench your thirst for savings at a salvage grocery store! From sweet tea and juice boxes to energy drinks and bubbly water, these stores stock up on all sorts of beverages, often overstocked or nearing their "best by" date. And the best part? The discounted prices are passed onto you! To get even more bang for your buck, grab a whole case of your favorite drink and enjoy an extra discount — perfect for those with big families or frequent party throwers. And don't worry about sacrificing quality for a bargain. You might even find fresh drinks at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a traditional store. So why not sip on savings and drink up the discounts at a salvage grocery store?

Buy Coffee at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Coffee

You can usually find a wide variety of coffee at salvage grocery stores, including both major brands and specialty brands, at significant discounts — sometimes up to 80% less than you'd pay at a traditional grocery store. Coffee beans and ground coffee have a relatively long shelf life, but will eventually start to lose their flavor and aroma. The "best by" date on coffee packaging is an indication of when the coffee is at peak freshness. You can store unopened vacuum sealed bags of ground coffee in your freezer for up to 12 months to retain the best flavor. When buying coffee at a salvage grocery store you should be flexible with your brand and type of coffee. You may not be able to find your favorite brand of coffee, but you're likely to find a variety of other brands and types of coffee from which to choose. Be willing to try something new and you might be surprised at how much you like it.
Buy Coffee at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Salad Dressing

Want to try unique salad dressings while saving some cash? Look no further than salvage grocery stores! These stores offer up salad dressings that are close to their "best by" date, have damaged packaging, or are unsellable by standard grocery stores because of over supply or label changes. But, don't let that scare you off! The acidity in some salad dressings acts as a natural preservative, making it safe to consume even past its "best by" date — just avoid buying dressings in cracked or damaged bottles or jars. By purchasing salad dressing at salvage grocery stores, you can save up to 60% — and sometimes even more — compared to traditional stores. Plus, you can try new brands and flavors.
Buy Condiments at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Condiments

Condiments are a great way to add flavor and excitement to any meal. However, they can also be expensive, especially if you buy them from a traditional grocery store. Salvage grocery stores offer a great way to save money on condiments. These stores often sell condiments that are overstocked, close to their "best by" date, or have damaged packaging. Salvage grocery stores purchase these condiments at a discounted price and pass the savings on to their customers. Condiments have a relatively long shelf life, and they're often safe to eat for several months past their "best by" date. You'll be able to save at least 50% on items such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, salsa, olives and more. You're very likely to find items and brands from well know national brands along with specialty and regional brands you've never seen before, so keep an open mind and be willing to try something new. Keep in mind that when buying condiments at salvage grocery stores you should avoid purchasing any items that have been opened or that are in damaged containers. If you find a great deal be sure to stock up since the item might not last long and the inventory at salvage grocery stores changes rapidly and is never guaranteed.

Save Money on Cereal at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Cereal

Whether you're craving a classic bowl of Corn Flakes or a more adventurous flavor like Honey Nut Cheerios with Almonds, you're sure to find it at a fraction of the cost of traditional grocery stores. Salvage grocery stores often purchase cereal that is overstocked, close to its expiration date, or has damaged or outdated packaging. However, this doesn't mean that the cereal is unsafe to eat. Cereal has a relatively long shelf life, and it is often safe to eat for several months past its expiration date. In addition to saving money, shopping for cereal at a salvage grocery store is also a great way to reduce food waste. When you buy cereal from a traditional grocery store, the cereal that is not sold is often thrown away. However, when you buy cereal from a salvage grocery store, the cereal is given a second chance to be enjoyed. When shopping for cereal at a salvage grocery store, you should be flexible with your brands and flavors. You may not be able to find your exact favorite cereal, but you're sure to find something you'll enjoy. Be willing to try new things and you may be surprised at how much you like them.
Save Money on Bread at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Bread

Buying bread at salvage grocery stores can be a great way to save money, especially if you're willing to be flexible with the brand and type of bread. Salvage grocery stores often sell bread that is close to or slightly past its "best by" date. This doesn't mean that the bread is not safe to eat — bread can still be safe to eat for several days past its "best by" date, especially if it's stored properly. A loaf of bread that would normally cost $4.99 at a traditional grocery store might only cost $1.25 at a salvage grocery store, which is a savings of 75%. Note that, even though bread may still be safe to eat past its "sell by" date, it's important to check the date before purchasing to give you an idea of how fresh the bread is and how long it will last before it goes stale. Make sure that the bread packaging is intact and avoid bread that is packaged in torn or damaged bags. If you see any mold on the bread, do not buy it, since mold can be harmful to your health. Bread should be stored in a cool, dry place. If you're not going to eat the bread right away, you can freeze it to extend its shelf life.
Buy Candy at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Candy

Salvage grocery stores often sell candy at a fraction of the cost of traditional grocery stores. This is because salvage grocery stores purchase candy that is overstocked, close to its "best by" date, or has damaged packaging. Candy has a very long shelf life, and is often safe to eat for several months past its "best by" date. You'll usually find a wide variety of candy available at salvage grocery stores, including popular brands and specialty brands — you may even find candy that you have never seen before, all at savings of up to 80% off prices found at mainstream grocery and convenience stores. This is a significant savings, especially if you eat a lot of candy. Salvage grocery stores receive new shipments of candy all the time. If you shop frequently, you're more likely to find the best deals. And don't be afraid to try new brands and flavors — you may be surprised at how much you like them. Remember that buying candy from salvage grocery stores is also a win for the planet. By giving this candy a second chance at being enjoyed, you're helping to reduce food waste.
Buy Snacks at Salvage Grocery Stores
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Snacks

You'll find cookies, snack cakes, pies, chips, popcorn and more — all by the brands you love — at unbelievable savings. Most salvage grocery stores stock national brand snack cakes packed individually or in multi-packs and some sell snack sized bags of potato chips, tortilla chips and popcorn by the box load for as little as a dime per bag.
Break the cycle
of food waste!