Having spent four years working at Tesco, I’ve gained insider knowledge on how supermarkets discount their goods throughout the day, offering shoppers fantastic savings—not just at closing time but at various points during the day.
It’s not just Tesco that practices this; major supermarkets including ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Morrisons also reduce prices, mainly on fresh items nearing their best-before dates or products that need to be cleared quickly. These markdowns help avoid food waste while giving customers access to discounted goods.
Most supermarkets have a dedicated clearance section within the fresh food aisles, often marked with yellow stickers or signs. However, the exact location and labeling may differ between stores.
READ MORE: BBC Faces Backlash Over Katherine Ryan’s Controversial Comment on David Beckham
READ MORE: Love Island’s Amy Hart Announces Pregnancy After Heartbreaking Miscarriages
During my time at Tesco, I frequently saw discounts on a wide range of products—ready meals, milk, bread, cream doughnuts, salads, sushi, sandwiches—all significantly reduced as the day progressed. Sometimes, even premium items like cuts of meat, fish, or Tesco Finest products were included.
Markdowns usually depend on the store’s activity level and staffing. For example, in a busy central London store, price reductions could be delayed due to high customer demand, while quieter seasonal shops might start discounts earlier.
If you’re unsure about the timing in your local store, simply ask a staff member. They can often provide useful guidance.
Typically, Tesco performs three rounds of discounts throughout the day, starting around 9 or 10 a.m., reducing prices by about 10%. As the day goes on, prices drop further—30%, 50%, and sometimes even up to 90% off.
The best window to catch the deepest discounts is usually in the evening, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., when final markdowns occur. The later you shop, the bigger the price cuts—but don’t wait too long, especially at busy stores, because the bargains tend to sell out quickly.
Earlier this year, Tesco introduced a new wave of reductions at 7 p.m. as part of their commitment to reducing food waste. A Tesco spokesperson told Express.co.uk that while the bulk of markdowns occur around 7 p.m., exact timings vary between locations. They added that these reductions remain popular and crucial in preventing good food from going to waste.
Many discounted items, especially staples like bread and milk, are ideal for freezing, allowing you to enjoy the savings without rushing to consume them immediately.
So next time you’re shopping at Tesco or another major supermarket, keep an eye out for markdowns throughout the day—and remember, the best time to grab the biggest discounts is often earlier evening, around 6 to 8 p.m.