Four savvy tips for picking up free and discounted items at your local supermarket

THERE may just be such a thing as a free lunch – after Tesco launched a trial giving away some food items for NO charge.

Marked with yellow stickers at selected Express stores, they are set to go out of date — and the idea of the scheme is to cut food waste.

But all supermarkets cut prices of groceries near their end date — so here are tips for picking up free or discounted items . . . 

TIME IT RIGHT: If heading to your local Tesco Express to look for yellow stickers, expect them to appear after about 9.30pm.

And most supermarkets mark down perishables like bread, meat and dairy in the late afternoon or evening.

Try getting to Asda or Sainsbury’s between 5pm and 7pm, or to the Co-op about four hours before closing.

SAY HI: Store employees can help you to find deals.

If you spot an item nearing its expiry date, ask if it’s about to be discounted or, in the case of the Tesco trial, given away. Staff may offer you a discount then and there.

MATE DATE: Free or discounted products are to be found at various places around supermarkets, so hit the aisles with a friend or family member and take separate routes around the shop to find the best bargains.

Ensure you check the meat, dairy and vegetable sections.

CHECK OUT: Once you find a free or discounted item, make sure that you take a moment to carefully check over the product before putting it in your trolley.

Avoid those where the seal has broken and beware “blown”; packages on items such as microwave meals because this can mean bacteria are present. Lastly, look out for any discolouration on meat.

SMART SAVERS: Not sure what free or discounted items are best to snap up?

Milk nearing its end date can be used to make homemade butter or whip up pancakes.

Cheese, whether in blocks, grated or sliced, can be stashed in the freezer then taken out as and when you need it.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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