**Best times to bag supermarket bargains: The insider guide to discounted food at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s**
UK shoppers keen to keep their grocery bills under control have long turned to yellow sticker discounts and special markdowns at major supermarkets. Now, a leading deals website has unveiled a wealth of practical tips and insights drawn from its vast user community, revealing the best times and strategies for nabbing reduced-price food at popular high street chains.
Millions of users contribute to the site Hotukdeals, sharing not only money-saving offers but also tried-and-tested tactics for securing food at a fraction of its original price. According to consumer deals expert Dan Evans, these approaches serve a dual benefit—easing the strain on personal finances while also contributing to the reduction of food waste, both vital concerns in today’s climate.
“Hotukdeals is all about sharing useful, community-sourced advice about when and where to find in-store discounts,” Evans explains. “It’s also about using innovative apps that spot not just cheap products, but even free surplus food. Our collective efforts help families save money, and make a positive impact on food wastage.”
**When to head to your favourite supermarket for the best discounts**
At Tesco, the journey towards a discounted meal begins mid-to-late afternoon, when staff begin attaching the coveted yellow stickers to products nearing the end of their shelf life. For the steepest savings, shoppers are advised to venture into their local Tesco between 6pm and 7pm, with the most significant price drops typically occurring after 8pm as stores prepare to close.
Sainsbury’s follows a similar rhythm, enforcing its first round of reductions from 1pm onwards. However, those hunting the most generous discounts—sometimes up to 75% off—should hold out until closer to closing time, particularly after 7pm or 8pm.
Morrisons turns to markdowns slightly earlier, often starting at around midday. The most appealing reductions appear on shelves around 6pm or 7pm, with clearance items usually found near bakery sections or where fresh produce is displayed. For Asda shoppers, yellow stickers make their first appearance between 9am and 11am. However, the biggest deals can usually be secured in the early evening, often after 6pm, especially across the meat, deli, and chilled sections.
Discount retailers like Aldi and Lidl follow their own distinctive schedules. Aldi, for example, doesn’t adhere to a strict timetable for reductions — though eagle-eyed customers report the best odds in the early morning or again in the final hour before closing. “Red sticker” bargains at Aldi tend to be less common than at larger chains. Meanwhile, Lidl is known for unveiling its largest discounts first thing in the morning, particularly on Sundays.
Elsewhere, Waitrose shoppers notice moderate markdowns get underway after 3pm, with the sharpest discounts materialising around 6–7pm. Waitrose is considered more conservative with reductions, but the last cuts can be quite dramatic. The Co-op initiates late reductions between 5–6pm, but as with many smaller chains, final discounts often depend on the store manager’s discretion and local demand.
**The role of apps in uncovering discounts and free food**
Increasingly, apps are stepping in to help budget-conscious consumers maximise savings and limit waste. Tools such as **Too Good To Go** are designed to connect shoppers with unsold food from big-name brands like Greggs, Costa, and Morrisons, typically packaged into so-called “Magic Bags” available just before closing. Prices usually range from £2 to £5 for food worth as much as £15, offering a lucky dip of bakery items, sandwiches, or even ready meals.
Peer-to-peer networks like **Olio** take community sharing even further by allowing individuals, local businesses, and retailers—including partnerships with major supermarkets—to give away surplus food for free. The first-come, first-served nature means swift action is key, but the potential savings extend to toiletries and household items as well.
Other popular cashback apps, including **Shopmium**, **GreenJinn**, and **CheckoutSmart**, facilitate money-back offers on branded groceries, ranging from snacks to sustainable and vegan products. All typically require shoppers to upload receipts to claim cashback, and some even feature regular “free after cashback” purchases, particularly useful in chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose.
**Promoting sustainable shopping**
The common thread among all these strategies—whether in-store or digital—is a shift towards sustainable shopping. Not only do these tips lighten the financial burden, but they also make a meaningful contribution to the reduction of food waste, a critical global challenge.
Consumers should note, however, that specific timings may vary by location, and reductions are always subject to stock levels and local managerial decisions. Seasoned bargain hunters suggest building a habit of checking the clearance areas during the evening for the most consistent results.
**A new era for supermarket savings**
As cost-of-living pressures persist, savvy shoppers are increasingly equipped with both information and digital tools to stretch their budgets whilst making sustainable choices. These tips and resources, shared among millions of UK consumers, underline the importance of both community advice and modern technology in navigating the ever-changing supermarket landscape.
With an arsenal of reliable supermarket timings and apps, UK shoppers can now unlock savings while playing their part in a greener, less wasteful future.