26 April 2023 , 13:18
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Food prices have shot up rapidly over the last year as the cost of living crisis continues to stretch families.
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows food prices are at their highest level in 45 years, rising by 19.1% in the year to March.
But there are ways to cut down your supermarket shop.
Deals experts will tell you to keep an eye out for yellow stickers - but finding them in stores can be easier said than done.
To help you out, Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, reveals what he believes are the best times to get reduced-to-clear food from each supermarket.
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Of course, your local supermarket might have slightly different times for yellow stickers than what Tom has outlined below - but this should give you a rough guide.
Tom Church saved £3,400 by buying yellow stickers for a year (Latest Deals)Tom said: “Ask store assistants politely what time yellow stickers start to show, but remember to treat them with respect.
“Don't hover next to them as they apply the discounts, wait until they're finished.
“Staff get put under a lot of stress from disrespectful shoppers shoving them aside and sweeping everything into their baskets.
"I lived for a year off yellow stickers and saved £3,400. You can really save a lot of money and live almost exclusively off them - especially if you're single.”
Aldi
Tom said: "Clearance stickers are red and applied in the morning from 8am with 50% off.
"This may increase to 75% as food approaches its use-by date."
Asda
Tom said: "Reductions start in the mornings but there may be second rounds of discounts from 7pm."
Co-Op
Tom said: "Yellow stickers are found throughout the day and it varies by store. Final reductions are 75% off."
Iceland
Tom said: "On fresh foods yellow stickers can be found from the mornings. Discounts vary."
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Lidl
Tom said: "Look for orange clearance stickers usually giving 30% off from the mornings.
"Sometimes there are green 'waste not!' stickers labelled at 20p or 70p."
Marks & Spencer
Tom said: "Yellow stickers applied in the mornings.
"As M&S has a higher price point, net savings can be bigger than other supermarkets."
Morrisons
Tom said: "The best reductions are in the evening.
"However, you're better off getting a £3.49 Magic Box from Too Good To Go, which will contain about £10 worth of food."
Sainsbury's
Tom said: "Discounts begin with 25% at 1pm, up to 50% at 5pm and then again by 75% at 8pm."
Tesco
Tom said: "Yellow stickers start in the afternoons, particularly on fresh meat, fish, fruit, veg, and bakery items."
Waitrose
Tom said: "Varies from store-to-store, usually in the afternoon and reductions increase towards closing time."