Theres a place near me that sells products with damaged packaging as well as past the sell-by date. Prices are similar to grocery shopping in the 90s, so it’s where I buy most of the shelf-stable foods I eat. I balk at grocery store prices now, and just go without until I have time to make the hour and a half (one way) trek out there. Stuff like chips/crackers are a caution item cuz the oil starts to taste bad (still edible just not good), ultra-pasteurized milk starts to separate, and sauces can taste stale depending what they are made with (acocado and olive oil bases seem to be prone to this)

But otherwise its a great way to use food that would otherwise go to waste, they get stuff from indian and asian groceries as well so I get to try a lot of stuff I’d never otherwise buy due to being wildly expensive import stuff. And it saves a ton of money. And if you buy something for $1 and it sucks, you don't feel bad throwing it away.

[–] Raiderkev@lemmy.world 2 points 11 hours ago

Grocery Outlet has lots of stuff close to the date for a fraction of the price of other stores. I love it. I get most of my dry groceries and a bit of my perishables there. So much better than any of the major chains.