by Chris Bertman
Three Produce-Purchasing Tips from a Produce Manager
I’ve worked in my local grocery store’s produce department for five years and now manage the department. Over that time I’ve learned practical ways shoppers can save money while still getting fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables. Below are three straightforward tips I share with customers that consistently help them get more value at the grocery store.
1. Look for marked-down produce
Marked-down produce is real, and it can be a great deal. When I say “fresh” I mean items that are still perfectly safe and tasty to eat—often they just have minor cosmetic flaws or are slightly past the ideal display date.
Many stores offer markdown sections or discount bags filled with items such as misshapen oranges, apples with small blemishes, or extra tomatoes and peppers. These items are reduced because they won’t present perfectly on the shelf, but they’re still excellent for eating, cooking, or preserving. When produce is bundled for a markdown, stores often increase the count in the package to offer extra value—for example, a bag might include several cucumbers or peppers at a lower total price than buying individual pieces.
Markdowns are a win-win: the store avoids waste and the customer gets a lower price. Don’t let a manager’s special sticker turn you away—these items are usually ideal for sauces, soups, smoothies, or other uses where appearance doesn’t matter.
Markdowns on prepackaged salads
Another common markdown you’ll see is on bagged salad mixes. Stores often discount bagged salads as they approach the “sell by” date—commonly by half price within two days of that date. The “sell by” date is a merchandising guideline, not an instant indicator of spoilage. If you plan to use the salad within a day or two, a marked-down package can be a smart, safe purchase and a substantial saving.
2. Know whether produce is sold by the item or by weight
Produce pricing varies: some items are sold individually, others by the pound, and some by the bunch. Knowing which is which helps you make better choices. Items sold by the unit tend to be more uniform in size, but there can still be variation—avocados sold individually may be different sizes, and bunches of greens can vary in fullness.
When possible, choose the larger pieces or fuller bunches. For example, instead of buying four small avocados, purchasing three larger ones may give you the same amount of usable fruit for less money. If you find two slightly small bunches of greens, ask a produce clerk if they can rewrap them into a single, fuller bunch so you effectively get more for the price of one.
3. Talk to the produce clerks
Produce clerks are a great resource. If you strike up a friendly conversation, they’ll often share information about upcoming sales, overstocked items, or manager’s specials. Sometimes stores end a sale with excess inventory that needs to move quickly; clerks or managers may create a special discount or package deal to move that product before it spoils. Being friendly and asking what’s on special can lead to extra savings.
Clerks can also advise on ripeness and best uses—for example, which fruits will ripen at home, which should be used immediately, and which varieties are best for cooking versus eating raw. This advice can prevent waste and stretch your food budget further.
Simple habits that save money at the produce counter
- Check the markdown rack early in your trip—good bargains can go fast.
- Buy cosmetically imperfect produce for cooking or preserving; flavor is usually unaffected.
- Compare per-item and per-pound pricing to get the best value.
- Ask staff about rewrapping bunches or combining items to get more product for the same price.
- Be friendly with produce clerks—local tips and unadvertised deals are common.
Following these tips will help you stretch your grocery dollars without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re shopping for a family meal, preparing ingredients for canning, or stocking up for the week, a little attention at the produce counter can yield noticeable savings.
Related resources
- Ways to save on produce and stretch your grocery budget
- Tips for preserving seasonal produce for longer use
- How to shop smarter at farmers markets and grocery stores
Reviewed July 2024