If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the aisles of a UK supermarket, eyeing those yellow-stickered bargains and wondering when the best deals hit the shelves, you’re not alone. According to recent insights shared by Hotukdeals—a deals website boasting tens of millions of active users—there’s a method to the markdown madness at Britain’s biggest grocery chains. Their data, sourced from a vast community of money-saving shoppers, has revealed a ‘hit list’ of prime times to snag steep discounts at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons, and more.
Consumer deals expert Dan Evans, speaking to MirrorOnline and Devon Live, summed up the ethos behind the Hotukdeals community: “This is what the hotukdeals community is about, it shares practical, community-sourced tips and tricks on when, and where, to find in-store discounts and also highlights useful apps, for finding free or discounted surplus food. It also promotes food waste reduction while helping people save money, making it both financially and ethically valuable for all.”
So, what’s the secret to scoring those coveted bargains? Let’s break down the best times to shop at each major supermarket, as reported by Hotukdeals’ army of savvy shoppers.
Tesco shoppers should keep an eye out around 6–7pm, when reductions begin to deepen, with final markdowns often appearing after 8pm. The now-iconic yellow stickers—signaling discounted items—start to pop up in the mid-to-late afternoon, but patience pays off as the evening wears on. According to Devon Live, “discounts get deeper as the day goes on,” making those late-evening trips potentially the most rewarding for bargain hunters.
At Sainsbury’s, the first wave of reductions typically starts from 1pm, but those in the know wait until after 7–8pm for the biggest discounts. The final markdowns, often slashing prices by up to 75% before closing time, are a magnet for frugal shoppers. As Hotukdeals notes, timing your visit just right can mean the difference between a modest saving and a shopping bag full of near-free groceries.
Morrisons adopts a slightly earlier schedule, with reductions kicking off in the early afternoon (around 12–2pm). The most significant cuts, however, tend to appear between 6–7pm. Clearance shelves—especially near the bakery and fresh produce sections—become hotspots for last-minute deals. For those who time it well, the evening can yield impressive savings on everything from bread to fresh fruit.
Asda stands out for its two-phase markdown approach. Initial discounts surface between 9–11am, giving early risers a shot at some savings. But the real action happens from 6–7pm and sometimes even later, when major discounts are applied. Regulars know to check the meat, deli, and chilled sections for those distinctive yellow stickers, as these areas often offer the steepest price drops.
Aldi, known for its no-frills approach and already low prices, offers reductions throughout the day without a set schedule. However, Hotukdeals users report the best chances of finding a bargain are either early in the morning or just before closing. The catch? “Red sticker” deals at Aldi are more limited compared to the larger chains, so it pays to be both early and persistent.
For Lidl fans, the window for final reductions usually opens first thing in the morning, with Sundays being particularly fruitful. Shoppers who make it in early can sometimes find significant markdowns, but the unpredictability means it’s often a matter of luck and timing.
Waitrose, often seen as the more upmarket option, takes a conservative approach to discounts. Markdowns begin after 3pm, but the optimal savings are typically discovered around 6–7pm. While reductions may not be as aggressive as at other supermarkets, the final discounts can still be substantial—especially for those willing to wait until the day’s end.
Finally, Co-op stores tend to implement late markdowns between 5–6pm. However, the selection and timing of reduced items can vary widely, depending on the store’s size and the discretion of individual managers. This means that while there’s a general pattern, local knowledge and a bit of trial-and-error can go a long way.
Underpinning all these tips is a broader trend in UK retail: the increasing use of community-sourced knowledge to help shoppers stretch their budgets and reduce food waste. Hotukdeals, as Dan Evans points out, not only provides real-time updates on deals but also highlights useful apps for finding free or discounted surplus food. This dual focus on saving money and minimizing waste has become especially relevant in recent years, as households across Britain grapple with the rising cost of living and growing concerns about sustainability.
The impact of these community-driven insights extends beyond individual savings. By encouraging shoppers to buy discounted items that might otherwise go unsold, these practices help cut down on food waste—a win for both consumers and the environment. As Evans explains, “It also promotes food waste reduction while helping people save money, making it both financially and ethically valuable for all.”
For many, the hunt for supermarket bargains has become something of a sport. Social media groups and online forums buzz with daily updates, photos of haul-worthy finds, and tips on timing. Apps that alert users to surplus food or flash discounts have also surged in popularity, making it easier than ever to snag a deal without endless aisle wandering.
Of course, the strategies can vary by location and even by individual store managers. While the guidelines provided by Hotukdeals offer a reliable starting point, seasoned bargain hunters know that flexibility and persistence are key. Sometimes, the best deals are a matter of being in the right place at the right time—or simply asking staff when the next round of reductions is expected.
It’s worth noting that the growing appetite for discounts has prompted supermarkets to adapt their own policies. In some cases, stores have responded to customer demand by standardizing reduction times or increasing the visibility of discounted items. Others have embraced technology, using digital signage or apps to alert shoppers to price drops in real time.
For those hoping to maximize their savings, the advice from Hotukdeals is clear: know your store, watch for patterns, and don’t hesitate to take advantage of community-sourced wisdom. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, a family looking to stretch your weekly shop, or simply someone who hates to see good food go to waste, there’s never been a better time to join the ranks of Britain’s bargain-hunting brigade.
With the cost of living showing no signs of abating and sustainability concerns climbing ever higher, the movement toward smarter, more ethical shopping is only set to grow. And as long as there are deals to be had, you can bet that communities like Hotukdeals will be there to share the inside scoop—one yellow sticker at a time.
