A supermarket expert has unveiled the most effective times to discover yellow sticker discounts across Britain's leading grocery chains, including Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury's. With many households feeling financial strain after Christmas and amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, shoppers are increasingly vigilant about their weekly food expenditures.
Strategic Timing for Maximum Savings
While loyalty programmes from retailers like Sainsbury's and Tesco offer points and selective discounts, these often prove insufficient for significant savings. Hunting for yellow sticker reductions presents a more substantial opportunity to cut costs on supermarket goods. However, locating these bargains can be challenging, especially for infrequent shoppers.
Richard Price, a grocery specialist at Britsuperstore with extensive experience analysing supermarket pricing, has emerged as a leading authority on securing optimal value in weekly shopping. He has provided professional guidance to help consumers capitalise on reductions throughout the day and strategically time their shopping trips to maximise savings.
"January can be a tough month financially, especially after the excesses of Christmas and the long wait for the next payday," Price explained. "That's why yellow sticker deals are such a game-changer. Most major supermarkets, including Morrisons, Aldi, and Asda, follow a two-round reduction strategy, with the first wave of discounts typically occurring in the morning, and the second - and often larger - reduction happening in the evening or just before closing."
Understanding Supermarket Reduction Patterns
These reductions vary between stores but can range from 10% to 25% in the morning to up to 90% in the evening, particularly for perishable items approaching their expiry dates. The rationale behind this two-stage discount approach is purely strategic: supermarkets aim to avoid immediate losses on high-demand items while simultaneously clearing excess stock before it becomes waste.
For instance, fresh meat, dairy products, ready meals, and bakery items are frequently discounted by 90% in the evening. This practice helps prevent food waste while enabling shoppers to achieve substantial savings. Below, the grocery specialist reveals the optimal times to find yellow sticker bargains across Britain's premier supermarkets.
Best Times for Yellow Sticker Reductions in UK Supermarkets
Morrisons
Prime time for bargains: Early evening (around 5pm) for up to 90% off, with certain products also marked down in the morning.
Products to look for: Ready meals, fresh meats, dairy items, pies, and fruit and vegetables are frequently reduced by 90% or more. Final reductions typically apply to products nearing their use-by dates, such as meats and fresh bread.
Tips:
- Inquire with staff about reduction times – they are often willing to assist, as waste reduction aligns with store policy.
- Monitor fruit and vegetable sections, where the most significant discounts are commonly found.
- While bulk buying may seem appealing, purchase only what you can use or store to avoid food waste.
Aldi
Prime time for bargains: Twice daily – once in the morning and again in the evening.
Products to watch for: Bread, meat, fruit, and vegetables are usually discounted by up to 75% on their final day of shelf life.
Tips:
- Stock up on non-perishable items like cereals and tinned food when they are reduced by 30% due to packaging damage.
- Examine items carefully for signs of over-ripeness or spoilage, especially in fresh produce sections.
Asda
Prime time for bargains: Twice daily – once in the morning and again in the evening.
Items to watch for: Fresh produce, including fruit and vegetables, is frequently slashed to as little as 10p, particularly during morning markdowns.
Tips:
- Arrive as early as possible, as Asda stores opening at 6am or 7am are excellent for securing fresh produce at a fraction of the price.
- Check the reduced shelf throughout the day, as discounts vary by time.
Co-op
Prime time for bargains: Timings differ, as reductions depend on stock quantities and use-by dates.
Items to watch for: The Co-op typically marks down various goods, though predicting exact timing is challenging.
Tips:
- Consult staff to gain insight into when discounts usually occur at your local store.
- Remain vigilant for hidden gems in markdown sections.
Lidl
Prime time for bargains: Early morning and several hours before closing.
Items to watch for: Fresh produce, bakery goods, and prepared meals are commonly reduced, with savings of up to 90% available nearer to closing time.
Tips:
- Download the Lidl Plus app for regular updates on in-store discounts and promotions.
- Be prepared to act swiftly, as items often sell out rapidly, especially during busy periods.
Marks & Spencer
Prime time for bargains: Typically close to closing time.
Items to watch for: Dine-in-for-two offers, bakery products, and prepared meals are regular candidates for substantial reductions.
Tips:
- Look out for bundle deals that provide additional savings.
- Join their loyalty programme to access further reductions.
Sainsbury's
Prime time for bargains: Timings vary, but constant vigilance for yellow labels is essential.
Items to watch for: Large joints of meat, fruit, and prepared meals. Sainsbury's also regularly offers savings of up to 50% for loyalty card members.
Tips:
- Monitor weekly offers closely. Registering for Nectar prices is an effective way to access personalised discounts.
- Check meat and bread sections – these items often receive significant reductions when approaching their sell-by dates.
Tesco
Prime time for bargains: Markdowns on fresh food are typically distributed throughout the day.
Items to watch for: Tesco features designated 'reduced in price, just as nice' sections for ready-to-eat meals, fresh salads, and meats.
Tips:
- Seek out the ‘markdown section’ at Tesco for the best reductions on items close to their use-by dates.
- Check for added promotions, such as discounts when purchasing multiple items.
