1. Shop the Post-Holiday Markdown Window
The days immediately after December 25 are one of the smartest times to find grocery markdowns, especially on items tied to holiday entertaining. Many stores move quickly to clear out seasonal inventory, which can lead to deep discounts on proteins, bakery items and specialty foods. These markdowns are often time-sensitive, so checking the store earlier in the day can improve selection for the items on your list.
What to buy: Hams, roasts, specialty cheeses, desserts, party trays and prepared sides
2. Stock Flexible Staples Instead of Planning Meals
This is a week when meal plans tend to fall apart, making flexibility more valuable than precision. Stocking versatile staples allows meals to come together easily without committing to a set schedule. These ingredients work for breakfasts, lunches and dinners and can be mixed and matched depending on how the day unfolds.
What to buy: Eggs, pasta, rice, tortillas, frozen vegetables, canned beans and soups
3. Check the Clearance Sections First
Between Christmas and New Year’s, many grocery stores reset shelves and transition away from seasonal packaging. That often pushes perfectly good products into clearance sections at reduced prices. Checking these areas first can uncover deals that never appear in weekly ads.
Where to look: End caps, bakery clearance racks, refrigerated markdown shelves and seasonal aisles
4. Lean Into Freezer-Friendly Foods
Freezer space becomes especially valuable during this in-between week. Discounted meats, breads and prepared foods can be stored and used later, turning short-term deals into long-term savings. Freezing also reduces the temptation to order takeout when routines feel off and cooking motivation is low.
What to freeze: Meat, sliced bread, rolls, soups, casseroles and shredded cheese
“One overlooked move during the post-holiday grocery reset is watching for markdowns on items with near-term sell-by dates that are still freezer-safe,” says Lia Berman, savings analyst. “Shoppers can often save 30% to 50% on meats, breads and prepared foods simply by freezing them the same day, turning short-dated discounts into long-term pantry wins.”
5. Keep Easy Snacks & Foods on Hand
With days blending together, many households shift toward snacking instead of structured meals. Keeping quick, ready-to-eat options available helps prevent frequent store trips and limits impulse spending on convenience foods or delivery.
What to buy: Yogurt, fruit, popcorn, granola bars, frozen appetizers and snack trays
6. Use Up Holiday Leftovers Before Buying More
Before shopping, it helps to take a full inventory of what’s already in the fridge, freezer and pantry. Holiday leftovers can often be repurposed into lunches, soups or freezer meals, reducing the need for a large grocery haul. This approach helps cut food waste while stretching the grocery budget a little further.
Savings tip: Try to build your grocery list around gaps that need filling first.
7. Watch Weekly Ads for Quiet Deals
Even though it feels like a slow shopping week, grocery stores still run weekly promotions. With fewer shoppers focused on deals, discounted items may stay in stock longer than during peak holiday weeks. Digital coupons and loyalty pricing can quietly stack additional savings.
What to check: Store apps, digital coupons, loyalty member pricing and weekly circulars
“The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a great time to lean into private-label groceries,” says Diane Lourmas, veteran savings analyst at CouponCabin. “Store-brand staples are often priced lower year-round, but this week they’re more likely to be paired with loyalty pricing or shelf resets, which can quietly cut grocery totals by 15% or more without changing what you cook.”
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