Bargain hunter shares shopping hacks for Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose and M&S

There’s nothing better than a money-saving hack, especially when it comes to a grocery haul.

The weekly food shop can be expensive so any advice for saving at supermarkets is always welcome – even more so if they contribute to reducing food waste.

Luckily there are always savvy shoppers willing to share their tips and tricks like Adam Attew from Stratford who has saved more than £2,000 by following some simple steps.

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The 32-year-old collects yellow stickers and Too Good To Go boxes several times a week. Other tricks include looking in every aisle for reduced stock and freezing everything.

Speaking to money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk Adam said: “Many years ago when I was a teenager my parents would bring food back from Asda with yellow stickers when they were reduced to 10p-50p late at night. I went once with them. So my family have always been savvy shoppers.

“In 2015 I was watching Extreme Couponing USA and wondered if anything like that existed in the UK. I found an Extreme Couponing group on Facebook and found out about cash back apps, coupons, and yellow stickers.

“Since then I have been a regular bargain hunter and saved thousands with cashback apps such as CheckoutSmart and ClickSnap on Quidco. I have picked up free food, drinks and supplies, and I also regularly get discounted clothes and homeware items.”

He continued: “I mainly shop in Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer. Typically the kinds of items I pick up are bread, fruit, cakes, pastries, party food, sandwiches, and meats.

“Some examples of bargains I have picked up include a crispy tofu meal kit from Marks and Spencer. It was £11.50 but I paid just £1.72 and made a meal for four. In the same shop I also picked up a rotisserie chicken for 67p instead of £6.72. I managed to create another meal for four with that as part of a roast dinner.

“In Waitrose I once paid just £5.27 for a shoulder of lamb originally priced at £21.12 and £1.49 for a leg of lamb worth £8.99. I also like to pick up Too Good To Go boxes. I got one from Morrisons where the value was over £15 but I only paid £3.”

Explaining how he finds reduced items, Adam said: “Most of the bargains I find are usually reduced by up to 70%.

“I usually go to find discounts after my work, which can range from 5pm to 8pm. I will visit a few places on my way home. Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, and Sainsburys usually reduce their items by 50% or more after 7pm and sometimes it’s earlier in Marks and Spencer.

“Some supermarkets have a dedicated chilled cabinet with a yellow label saying ‘Reduced’.

“Sainsburys is one example. Others, like Marks and Spencer, just reduce the items and leave them in the aisles they come from so you need to search more for them.

“Also some supermarkets have a dry goods shelf for damaged products, seasonal, and discontinued products.

‘With the help of cashback apps, freebies, samples and yellow sticker bargains, I have saved over £2,000. I love that I can buy more luxury items I would not usually buy for less. I also like that I am saving them from being wasted.”

Adam also makes sure the food he buys goes further by freezing it when he gets home.

“I have bought meat and frozen it for meals in the future, doing the same with bread and cakes for a treat later in time,” he explained.

“In my working week I will usually pop into the shops several times after work and pick up items. It is no guarantee but usually I get something – from bread to bacon to sandwiches. These all go towards lunches, dinners, sweet treats and future meals.”

Adam also uses the Too Good To Go app, an initiative that enables the retailer to sell boxes of unsold food for less. It massively reduces waste and allows customers to save money in the process.

He’s picked up bags from his local Greggs, Starbucks, Yo Sushi and Morrisons.

“I try to get one or two a week,” Adam said. “These provide lunch for me and my dad as well as sweet treats and dinner.”

Sharing his advice with others, Adam said: “My advice for those seeking more bargains would be to check out your usual aisles for red labels and reduced to clear items. When items are discontinued or seasonal they are reduced to clear – from tinned meat to old stock.

“The freezer section can also be home to some good bargains. You just need to look out when you’re doing your normal shopping. I’ve picked up loads of items using this method.”

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