Save money on your food shop

Clearance food vs the supermarket

Same brands, a fraction of the price. Clearance and surplus food is typically 30-70% cheaper than the supermarket because it is overstock, short-dated or end-of-line stock that needs to move fast. Here is exactly how the two compare — and how to start paying less.

 SupermarketClearanceFood
Typical price on the same brandsFull RRP30-70% less
Why it is cheaperStandard retail marginSurplus, overstock, short-dated or end-of-line
DatesLong shelf lifeBest-before (quality) stock, dates shown up front
ChoiceConsistent rangeRotating deals — buy the bargains while they last
QuantitiesSingle unitsUnit, case, pallet or full lot
Best forPredictable weekly shopStretching a budget and cutting waste

Why clearance food costs so much less

It is the same branded product you would find on a supermarket shelf — but somewhere along the supply chain it became surplus. A manufacturer over-produced, a retailer cancelled an order, a promotion ended, packaging changed, or a line is simply getting close to its best-before date. That stock is perfectly good, but it has to move quickly, so it is sold at clearance prices instead of being written off or sent to landfill.

A supermarket prices to a steady retail margin on stock with a long shelf life. ClearanceFood prices to clear, which is why the same brands routinely sell for 30-70% less here.

Is it the same quality?

Yes — it is the same product. The one difference to understand is dates. We list best-before (quality) stock and never anything past its use-by (safety) date. Best-before food is legal to sell and safe to eat beyond the date; it may just lose a little peak flavour or texture over time. Every listing shows the best-before window, storage type and quantities so you know exactly what you are buying.

New to dates? Read our guide to best before vs use by and whether short-dated food is safe.

What you can buy

Ambient, chilled and frozen food and drink, confectionery, snacks and household essentials — much of it well-known brands. Because the stock is surplus, the range rotates, so the deals change day to day. You can buy by the unit, case, pallet or full lot, which makes it work for a single household, a corner shop, a market trader or a food bank alike.

Auctions and Buy Now

Live auctions let you set your own price ceiling and win a lot for less when demand is low. Buy Now listings let you lock in a deal immediately at a fixed price. Either way, you see the price, dates, quantity and delivery terms before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

How much cheaper is clearance food than a supermarket?

Clearance and surplus food is typically 30-70% cheaper than the supermarket price for the same brands, because the stock is surplus, overstock, short-dated or end-of-line and needs to move quickly. The exact saving depends on the product, the dates and demand.

Is clearance food safe to eat?

Yes. Reputable clearance stock is best-before (quality) food, not use-by (safety) food. Best-before food is legal to sell and remains good to eat beyond the date — it may just lose a little peak texture or flavour. We never list anything past its use-by date.

Why is it so much cheaper than the supermarket?

It is the same branded product, but it has become surplus to a manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer — overstock, a cancelled order, a packaging change or stock approaching its best-before date. Clearing it quickly at a discount beats sending edible food to landfill.

Can I really buy the same brands I see in the supermarket?

Often, yes. Much clearance stock is well-known grocery, drinks, confectionery and household brands. Because it is surplus the range rotates, so the smart approach is to buy the deals that suit you when they appear.

How do I start buying clearance food instead of paying supermarket prices?

Register for a free account, browse the live auctions and Buy Now listings, and bid or buy the lots that suit you. Each listing shows the price, best-before dates, quantities and delivery or collection terms up front.

Start paying less for the same brands

Register free, browse live clearance auctions and Buy Now listings, and cut the cost of your food shop without cutting what is in it.