For decades, savvy Australian shoppers have known a simple trick to shave hundreds off their annual grocery bill: snapping up fresh food items marked down because they’re close to their use-by date.
But if you’ve noticed those yellow discount stickers are getting harder to spot, you’re not imagining things. Supermarkets are quietly phasing out this money-saving hack, and it could mean the end of an era for budget-conscious shoppers.
The secret to saving: marked-down groceries
According to new research from ING, a whopping 86 per cent of Australians regularly buy fresh food that’s nearing its expiry date, saving an average of $315 a year.
That adds up to a staggering $5.3 billion in collective savings across the country. The most commonly discounted items? Fresh meat, poultry, seafood, bakery goods, and produce—staples in most households.
On average, shoppers are picking up these bargains about two and a half times a month, or roughly 30 times a year. For many, it’s become a routine part of the weekly shop: a quick scan of the meat and bakery sections for those telltale markdowns, then planning meals around what’s on offer.
Why are these discounts disappearing?
So, what’s changed? Retail expert Professor Gary Mortimer says supermarkets are getting smarter about inventory management. ‘Supermarkets are now using more advanced AI inventory systems to order just enough stock to meet demand, avoiding over-ordering and the need for markdowns,’ he explains.
In other words, the days of shelves groaning with unsold bread or chicken at the end of the day are fading fast. Instead, supermarkets are focusing on reducing food waste at the source.
‘The big focus is around reducing food waste,’ says Professor Mortimer. ‘Many food retailers are looking at how to mitigate having to mark products down. That could mean donating food to charity food banks rather than discounting it for shoppers.’
While this is a win for the environment and for those in need, it does mean fewer bargains for the rest of us.
The rise of food waste initiatives
It’s not just about saving money—there’s a bigger picture at play. Australia throws away an estimated 7.6 million tonnes of food each year, costing the economy over $36 billion.
Supermarkets are under increasing pressure to address this, both from a sustainability perspective and to meet the expectations of environmentally conscious shoppers.
Many major chains now have partnerships with food rescue organisations like OzHarvest and Foodbank, ensuring that unsold but still edible food goes to those who need it most.
While this is a positive step, it does mean that the days of filling your trolley with half-price steaks and bargain bananas may be numbered.
Are there still ways to save?
If you’re mourning the loss of the markdown, don’t despair—there are still ways to keep your grocery bill in check:
Shop late in the day: While markdowns are less common, they do still happen, especially in the evenings when stores are clearing out perishable stock.
Get to know your local store: Some supermarkets have regular markdown routines—ask staff when discounts are most likely to appear.
Try food rescue apps: In Sydney, apps like Yume and Good & Fugly connect shoppers with discounted meals and groceries from shops, cafes, and restaurants. These platforms are expanding, so keep an eye out for options in your area.
Plan your meals: The ING study found that Australians could save an extra $1159 a year by ditching the mid-week ‘top-up’ shop. Instead, plan your meals and stick to a list to avoid impulse buys.
Buy in bulk and freeze: If you do spot a bargain, stock up and freeze what you can for later.
The changing face of grocery shopping
Another trend highlighted by the ING research is the shift away from the traditional big weekly shop.
‘We’re now seeing that the basket size is getting smaller, but people are shopping more frequently,’ says Professor Mortimer.
While a $160 or $180 shop can feel daunting, smaller, more frequent trips can add up to the same—or even more—over time, especially if you’re tempted by impulse buys.
It’s a good reminder to keep track of your spending across the week, not just per trip. Sometimes, the old-fashioned way—planning ahead and shopping once a week—really does save you more in the long run.
What does this mean for shoppers?
For many Australians over 50, the weekly grocery shop is more than just a chore—it’s a ritual, a chance to catch up with neighbours, and an opportunity to hunt for bargains.
The phasing out of markdowns may feel like another blow to the household budget, especially for those on fixed incomes.
But it’s also a chance to embrace new habits: meal planning, using technology to find deals, and supporting food rescue initiatives that help the wider community.
Have you noticed fewer markdowns at your local supermarket? Do you have any tips for saving money on groceries in this new era? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—let’s help each other make every dollar count!
Also read: Are you being watched? Customer speaks out on supermarket self-checkout hassle
