Is it smart to buy salvage groceries?

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By Clark Howard, Contributing Writer 8:33 PM Sunday, January 22, 2012

The recession has been a real boon for supermarkets, as more people have been buying store brands and eating at home instead of going out to restaurants. But what can you do when even the traditional grocery chains are not cheap enough for you?

Some people have begun shopping at salvage food stores. These are the types of stores — usually located in metro areas — that sell dented cans and all kinds of food that is very nearly expired or past expiration date.

When you think about it, traditional supermarkets have so many items on their shelves. Those that don’t “sell through” (called unsellables in the industry) end up past date and are then salvaged out.

Is it a good idea or not for you to buy salvage groceries? There is, of course, a lot of controversy about food safety. But Dr. Ted Labuza, a professor of food science at the University of Minnesota, told The Atlantic, “Foods can remain safe to consume for some time beyond sell-by and even use-by dates provided they are handled and stored properly.”

Unsellables typically go for half the supermarket price. Their sales are up 40 percent from just a year ago by some estimates as more people find themselves hurting in the wallet.

Back when he was in college, my radio producer Joel tried salvage stores. He jokes that he’s surprised to be disease-free after repeatedly going around 10 or 12 times.

It goes with saying this is not for everybody. But if it is for you, locate a salvage grocer near you using a state-by-state directory at ExtremeBargains.net (look for the Discount Grocery Store Directory link, which includes several stores in Ohio for those willing to drive for deals). As a general rule, states that have higher unemployment will have a proliferation of salvage stores. Those with lower unemployment won’t.

Clark Howard is a nationally syndicated consumer advocate, radio personality and author who gives advice on how to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off. Listen to Clark Howard weeknights from 6 to 9 p.m. on AM1290/95.7FM News Talk WHIO.

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