In the midst of the ongoing cost of living crisis, finding a genuine bargain at the supermarket can feel like a major victory. For one shrewd Sainsbury's customer, a routine trip for steak turned into a spectacular shopping triumph, all thanks to a well-known but often overlooked money-saving strategy.
The Reddit Revelation
The bargain hunter took to the UK Food forum on Reddit, a community boasting over 327,000 members, to share their impressive find. They posted a picture of a hefty Aberdeen Angus Sirloin steak that had been dramatically reduced in price. The original price tag of £20.54 was slashed to just £10.51, effectively halving the cost.
The user's secret? A simple, celebratory declaration: "Up the yellow stickers." The post quickly gained traction, amassing an impressive 1,600 upvotes and sparking over 130 comments from fellow shoppers.
What Are Yellow Sticker Deals?
For the uninitiated, yellow sticker discounts are price reductions applied by most major supermarkets to items, particularly fresh produce, meat, and bakery goods, that are nearing their use-by dates. This system helps stores reduce food waste while offering customers significant savings.
The timing of these discounts is crucial for bagging the best deals. While specific times can vary from store to store, the most substantial markdowns are typically found in the late afternoon or early evening, often just a few hours before closing. For instance, at Sainsbury's and Tesco, the best price drops tend to happen from early evening onwards, whereas Asda might have markdowns in both the morning and evening.
The Public Reaction and Savvy Shopping Tips
The Reddit community was largely enthusiastic about the find. One commenter expressed a shared sentiment, writing, "I love a yellow sticker. Seeing them fills my heart with joy. Which is pretty good because I find supermarket shopping quite soulless." Another simply stated, "You've done well there," while a third gushed, "Come to papa, that looks amazing!"
However, the deal also sparked a debate, with some users suggesting that shopping at a local butcher could yield cheaper and better-quality cuts. One user posted, "Get cheaper better cuts from the butchers," though others were quick to point out that not everyone has a local butcher nearby, making supermarket deals all the more essential.
To consistently find your own yellow sticker treasures, follow these expert tips:
Shop in the evening: This is your best bet for the biggest discounts, as stores aim to clear shelves before the end of the day.
Check throughout the day: Don't assume discounts only happen once. Some stores apply reductions multiple times, so you might find smaller markdowns in the morning or late afternoon.
Be flexible with your shopping list: Go in with an idea of what you need, but be ready to swap items if you find a fantastic reduced alternative.
Freeze your finds: If you score a bargain on meat or fish, don't feel pressured to eat it immediately. Freezing allows you to enjoy the savings at a later date, maximising the value of your deal.
