Cheapest Grocery Times in London

When you’re trying to stretch your budget in London, cheapest grocery times in London, the specific hours when supermarkets slash prices on perishables and near-expiry items. Also known as evening markdowns, these windows can save you 30% to 50% on fresh food, dairy, and meat—no coupon needed. This isn’t guesswork. It’s a routine used by locals who shop smart, not just cheap.

Most major chains—Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons—follow a predictable pattern. Evening discounts, price reductions applied to food nearing its sell-by date. Also known as reduced-to-clear, these deals typically start between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The best time to hit the store? Right at 6 p.m. on weekdays. That’s when staff start tagging items. You’ll find half-priced chicken, yogurts with one day left, and bread that’s still fresh but no longer sellable at full price. Weekends are slower. Stores don’t mark down as aggressively because they expect higher foot traffic.

Local independent grocers, smaller shops that often clear stock earlier than big chains. Also known as corner shops, these places tend to drop prices by 4 p.m. if they’re not selling. They can’t afford to waste food, so they’re more aggressive. Look for places near residential areas in zones 2 and 3—Hackney, Peckham, Croydon, and Walthamstow. You’ll find better deals than in tourist-heavy zones. Don’t forget Aldi and Lidl. They don’t do evening markdowns, but they’re already the cheapest. Their secret? Limited selection, no-brand items, and restocking early morning. Go on Tuesday or Wednesday morning when new stock arrives. That’s when the fresh produce is at its peak and prices are lowest.

Some stores now use digital price tags. You can spot red labels or flashing displays near the checkout. Others just have handwritten stickers. Don’t be shy—ask staff. Most will point you to the discounted section. A few even have apps or email alerts for daily deals. Sign up for Tesco’s ‘Price Drop’ notifications or Sainsbury’s ‘Special Offers’ emails. They’ll tell you when your local store drops prices.

Timing matters, but so does what you buy. Meat and dairy are the biggest savers. A £6 chicken at 6 p.m. becomes £3. A £4 block of cheese drops to £1.50. Bread, fruit, and vegetables follow the same pattern. Avoid impulse buys. Stick to your list. The goal isn’t to stockpile—it’s to get the same quality for less.

There’s no magic trick. It’s about showing up at the right time, knowing what to look for, and being okay with slightly older produce. You won’t find organic kale for 50p, but you’ll find perfectly good apples, eggs, and pasta for half what you’d pay at 11 a.m. This isn’t about desperation. It’s about being smart in a city where food costs more than almost anywhere else in the UK.

Below, you’ll find real tips from people who’ve cut their grocery bills by hundreds each month. You’ll learn which stores have the best deals, what to grab when, and how to turn a 15-minute trip into serious savings—without spending hours hunting.