Before Labor Day arrives, stock up on these 11 foods that won’t stay cheap forever

The late summer grocery window

Late summer can be a useful time to watch produce prices before seasonal availability begins shifting.

USDA identifies peaches, corn, tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, zucchini, green beans, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, and plums among produce available around August and September.

That does not mean every food will suddenly become expensive after Labor Day. It does mean shoppers can find stronger value when seasonal supply is plentiful, especially when supermarkets promote summer produce to attract customers.

1. Peaches are still worth watching

Peaches remain firmly in the late summer produce window, with USDA listing them from June through September. That puts August among the useful months for finding ripe fruit and comparing grocery prices before the season moves toward fall.

A Walmart listing reviewed during fact-checking showed yellow peaches for under $1 each online, though the exact price can vary by store and may change quickly.

Walmart notes that prices can vary by location, so shoppers should verify the price attached to their selected store before buying.

2. Corn can be a serious bargain

Sweet corn is another classic late summer purchase, with USDA listing it from June through October. Its long seasonal window gives shoppers plenty of chances to compare supermarket promotions and local produce stands before cooler weather changes the selection.

Walmart listings reviewed during fact-checking showed fresh sweet corn on the cob for as low as 25 cents per ear online, though prices are location-specific and should be checked against the shopper’s selected store. Those unusually low prices are location-specific and should be checked before making a trip.

3. Chicken for the freezer

Chicken is another useful Labor Day purchase because it works across grilling, sandwiches, salads, and quick weeknight meals. Aldi currently lists Kirkwood Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets Family Pack at about $2.19 per pound in one online listing.

That price is location-specific, but it shows why checking multiple retailers can pay off. Compare the price per pound rather than the package price, then freeze portions you will not use immediately.

4. Ice cream while summer lasts

Ice cream remains especially useful for Labor Day gatherings because it can serve as both dessert and an easy topping for warm fruit or baked treats.

A 2026 Passionate Penny Pincher comparison listed Walmart, Aldi, and Target as lower-priced 48-ounce options, while Sam’s Club had a lower per-ounce price in a much larger 160-ounce package.

Aldi listed a 48-ounce tub at $3.25 in the comparison. That makes a larger container worth considering when several people will be sharing dessert rather than buying individual portions.

5. Pasta belongs in the pantry

Pasta is less seasonal than corn or ice cream, but it is precisely the kind of staple that makes sense to buy when the price is attractive. Aldi listed 16 ounces of its Reggano pasta at $1.09 in a 2026 price comparison.

The pantry-friendly format also gives it a longer useful life than fresh foods. Stocking a few boxes can cover quick dinners, cold salads, baked dishes, and last-minute meals after the holiday weekend.

Fun fact: World Pasta Day falls on October 25, giving pasta lovers another reason to celebrate beyond National Pasta Month each year.

6. Pasta sauce is another easy item to stock up on

Pasta sauce pairs naturally with that pantry purchase and can stretch beyond spaghetti. Aldi listed a 24-ounce jar of Reggano sauce at $1.85 in the same comparison, making it another relatively inexpensive staple.

Look for sauces with a long shelf life and choose sizes your household can realistically finish. Extra jars can become pizza sauce, lasagna filling, or a quick base for vegetables and meat.

7. Honey can last beyond summer

Honey is another pantry item worth watching when prices dip. The 2026 comparison listed Aldi’s 12-ounce Berryhill honey at about $3.76, while Sam’s Club showed a lower per-ounce price on a much larger 48-ounce package.

Because honey can be used in drinks, marinades, sauces, oatmeal, and desserts, it does not depend on Labor Day alone. A reasonably priced jar can remain useful well after summer gatherings end.

Fun fact: Idaho produces 3,300,000 pounds of honey annually, supported by 143,000 colonies of honey bees producing throughout the state.

8. Chips for the party table

Chips are an obvious Labor Day gathering purchase, but brand choice can change the price considerably. A 2026 comparison listed Aldi’s 10-ounce Clancy’s chips at $1.99, below several larger branded options on a price per ounce basis.

That makes store brands worth checking before automatically reaching for a familiar label. Pair them with salsa, guacamole, or a simple bean dip for an inexpensive party spread.

9. Buns are easy to overlook

Hamburger and hot dog buns become especially useful around Labor Day cookouts. A 2026 comparison listed Aldi buns at $1.55 for eight, while Target and Walmart were also close in price.

The difference may look small on one package, but several packs can add up for a gathering. Buy according to your expected guest count and freeze extras if the package size exceeds your immediate needs.

10. Strawberries can still be useful

Fresh strawberries are not only for summer desserts. They can go into breakfast bowls, shortcakes, salads, drinks, and simple fruit platters, making them useful when entertaining.

Aldi currently shows strawberries among its price-drop offerings, with one online location listing a one-pound package at $3.85. Local prices can differ, so check your store before making the trip.

11. Ground beef deserves a price check

Ground beef is another Labor Day staple, particularly for burgers, meatballs, tacos, and skillet meals. Aldi currently lists one pound of USDA 73% Lean 27% Fat Ground Beef at $5.19 in one online location.

That is not necessarily the lowest price available everywhere, which is why comparing weekly ads matters. For a cookout, calculate how many patties you need before buying larger quantities.

Fast food prices are shifting again, and these chains could change where you stop for your next quick meal.

The smart stock up

The best Labor Day grocery strategy is not necessarily filling the cart with everything on sale. Fresh produce, grilling staples, pantry foods, and frozen treats have different storage lives, so the right quantity depends on when you expect to use each item.

Comparing Aldi with warehouse clubs and regional supermarkets can reveal meaningful differences.

A current 2026 comparison found Aldi competitive across many everyday staples, while Costco and Sam’s Club can become more attractive when larger package sizes lower the unit price.

See which everyday Walmart favorites are getting cheaper, from pantry staples to cookout essentials, before these grocery deals disappear.

Which of these foods would make the most sense to buy before the holiday? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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