Shoppers Question Kroger Markdown Depth on Expiring Food

A Reddit post describes near-expiration grocery discounts that rarely exceed 50%, prompting comparisons with deeper markdowns elsewhere.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Couponing

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a single ripe peach on a cream tray beside a blank yellow sticker, evoking grocery markdown deals. — Kroger shoppers say near-expiration markdowns rarely exceed 50 percent, while commenters report discount depth varies by store, day, and staff. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you think grocery store markdowns on expiring food are usually worth waiting for?

A Kroger shopper posting on Reddit's r/Frugal community reported that markdowns on groceries nearing their expiration dates rarely exceed 50%, even with one day remaining. Other commenters said markdown practices vary by store, day, and staff.

Why it matters

Deeper perishable markdowns can meaningfully reduce grocery costs for budget-conscious households who plan purchases around clearance items. Differences in how stores apply discounts make it harder for shoppers to predict when the best deals will appear.

Shopper reports cite markdowns rarely exceeding 50% on groceries with one day left, compared with 60% to 80% savings on perishables recalled at Lidl in the United Kingdom. A commenter said one smaller downtown Kroger reached 80%, but the broader pattern across stores remains unverified.

The players

Kroger

Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, operating under a range of regional banners.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is a natural and organic grocery chain owned by Amazon that is known for its premium perishable selection.

The details

One shopper said the local Kroger marked down more products than it did three years earlier, while another reported finding food past its labeled date. Commenters described Whole Foods applying discount stickers in the morning and a Kroger employee explaining a computer-directed process ranging from small discounts to half off.

Over the past three years, the local Kroger has marked down more near-expiration products, according to one shopper.
Markdowns on groceries with one day remaining rarely exceeded 50%, according to the Reddit post.

Market Landscape

Lidl's reported 60% to 80% perishable markdowns in the United Kingdom set a benchmark that U.S. shoppers are now using to judge domestic grocers. The Kroger complaints show how that comparison is shaping expectations for clearance depth at American supermarkets.

Shoppers who buy perishables close to their expiration date may find deeper savings at some stores, but markdown timing and depth vary, so checking stickers in the morning or at different times may help. Checking labeled dates before buying remains important, since commenters reported food on shelves past its date.

The takeaway

Shoppers hunting for grocery clearance deals should compare markdown patterns across stores and check labeled dates before buying. Markdown practices appear to differ by location, day, and staff, so timing purchases strategically can help stretch a food budget.