**Tesco Unveils Evening Price Cuts on Bakery Items in Bid to Tackle Food Waste**
Shoppers heading to Tesco in the evenings may soon find more than just quieter aisles awaiting them. The UK’s largest supermarket chain has announced a significant shift in its approach to food waste, introducing a new discount scheme specifically targeted at baked goods. As part of this fresh initiative, many Tesco stores across the country will be reducing the prices of select bakery items by 50% after 7pm, offering customers the chance to snap up a sweet or savoury treat at half the cost.
The move, which has come to public attention through social media groups dedicated to bargain hunting, aims to ensure that food still perfectly good for consumption is not thrown away. In recent weeks, posts on platforms such as ‘Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK’ have highlighted the new pricing, edging notice among shoppers who spotted signs reading: “From 7pm, our loose bakery products are reduced by 50%.” It’s worth noting the discount is specific to items like croissants and pastries, and notably excludes standard bread and gingerbread products.
As the UK continues to weather the ongoing cost of living challenges, many families are feeling the squeeze on their weekly shopping bills. For countless households, Tesco’s latest pricing strategy may offer a welcome means of saving money without compromising on quality or freshness. Indeed, feedback on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with many shoppers sharing their delight at the potential savings, particularly for those who have a Tesco store within a short walk from home.
The supermarket chain has confirmed that the evening reductions apply to a range of items baked in-store daily, such as plain and chocolate croissants, almond pastries, and other sweet or savoury options. Typically priced at around £1.20, these treats are now available for just 60p after the evening discount kicks in—providing a genuine bargain for those able to plan their shop later in the day.
Tesco has underlined that these markdowns are an integral part of its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. In response to inquiries, a spokesperson emphasised that discounting fresh bakery items helps prevent unnecessary food waste—a persistent issue within the retail sector. “If we can’t sell food, we redistribute it to charities and community groups, or offer it to colleagues at no cost,” the spokesperson explained. “Daily reductions on bakery products in participating stores are one method we use to make sure less food goes to waste, although timing may vary from store to store.”
The 7pm reductions dovetail with another ongoing trial at selected Tesco Express stores, where items marked with yellow stickers and still unsold by 9.30pm are given away for free. Customers at participating locations can simply scan these products at the self-service tills after the cut-off time and take them home at no charge.
Industry experts regard Tesco’s approach as a significant step forward in addressing the problem of retail food waste, while extending support to individuals and families who might struggle to afford fresh groceries. By aligning its reduction times across bakery, chilled, and other categories, Tesco aims to streamline the process for consumers and further reduce surplus edible stock.
Interested shoppers are encouraged to check with their local Tesco branches for participation as precise timings and eligible products may differ depending on location and stock levels. If you are keen to take advantage of the 7pm bakery discount or the post-9.30pm ‘yellow sticker’ giveaway in Tesco Express stores, turning up at the right time could offer both savings and satisfaction—knowing you are contributing to reducing food wastage.
Tesco’s approach reflects a growing trend among UK supermarkets to tackle surplus food more proactively. While each retailer’s scheme varies, the underlying aim is shared: to ensure as much food as possible is eaten, rather than thrown away. In the current economic climate, initiatives like these could make a real difference, both for shoppers’ wallets and the wider community.
As grocery prices remain a key public concern, shoppers can stay informed on further money-saving tips and supermarket updates through dedicated newsletters and social media groups. Tesco’s continued evolution on food waste and affordability marks another chapter in British retail’s response to the challenges of the day.