The Case for Shopping at Discount Grocery Stores

Imagine this: we're standing in line at the grocery store, waiting to check out, and we see the sign for the discount bin. In that bin are items that are damaged, or that are about to expire. And we think to ourselves, "Why would I want to buy that? It's not perfect."

But here's the thing: those imperfect items are still perfectly good to eat, even if the box is dented or the leaves are turning brown. Discount grocery stores are a great way to obtain extremely affordable food. The foods are not only "good enough" to eat, but often they're of great quality. Our silly standard of "perfection" is costing us money.

The Quality is Still There

Just because an item is damaged or past its expiration date doesn't mean that the quality is gone. In fact, many times, the food is of equal quality at a discount grocery store to that at a regular grocery store. Sometimes the food is even fresher: at a regular grocery store, an item might have been sitting on the shelves for weeks or even months, but at a discount grocery store, an item might have only been there for a few days. So, if you're looking for fresh food, a discount grocery store is a great option.

It's Cheaper!

Obviously, one of the main benefits of shopping at a discount grocery store is that it's cheaper. You're paying less for the same (or even better) quality food. And that savings can really add up over time. If you're on a budget, or if you're trying to save money, shopping at a discount grocery store is a great way to do it.

You're Helping the Environment

When you buy imperfect produce, cans and other goods from a discount grocery store, you're actively reducing food waste. In the United States, it's estimated that 20% of all produce goes to waste because it doesn't meet our standards of perfection. By shopping at a discount grocery store, you're reducing food waste and helping the environment in countless ways.

Discount grocery stores are a great way to get affordable food. The foods are of great quality; it's our silly standard of "perfection" that is costing us money. If you're on a budget, or if you're trying to save money, shopping at a discount grocery store is a great way to do it. You're also helping to reduce food waste and help the environment when you shop at these stores. So next time you see those imperfect items in the discount bin, don't hesitate to grab them.