A savvy shopper says he saves thousands through yellow sticker bargains and has now shared his top tips so others can, too.
Adam Attew claims he pays 70% less for his food shops by using his sharp eye for deals.
The Londoner, who is from Stratford, credits being a bargain bagger to his parents, with one of his earliest memories including going to Asda in the evenings with his family to find reduced items, even scoring items for as little as 10p.
Mesmerised by how much money one can save by knowing the tricks of the trade, Adam has stashed away over £3,000.
“As I got older and began working, I got into it in a much bigger way,” Adam told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“On the way back from work, I would pop into the supermarkets for a quick scan of any bargains and luck was mostly always on my side.
“And also being a big foodie helps, as you can stand there and think of all the different meals that could be made with them.
“Yellow sticker shopping can be unpredictable and then this spurs ideas and dishes.
“Getting cheap items seasonally means sometimes there is a lot around and means leftovers to use. I love the challenge.”
In terms of best bargains, Adam has bagged himself some incredible deals over the years.
He said: “My best one was definitely when I bought a whole chicken for 46p.
“I was gobsmacked at the right place, at the right time.
“I’ve also got two lamb joints in Waitrose for bargains, one was a shoulder for £5.27, originally £21, and the other was a half leg for £1.49, originally £8.
“I also got a gammon joint from M&S, which was £35, and I bought it for £6.49 after Christmas!”
Adam, who is currently unemployed, has shared his best tips and methods for bargaining deals to help others who might be suffering during the cost of living crisis as inflation sees prices balloon.
Yellow sticker items
Adam’s most-loved trick is to look for reduced items and says people need to look beyond the yellow-sticker shelf as these discounted goods can often be hiding elsewhere.
He said: “This is an obvious one, but also don't forget to check out the normal aisles for 'reduced to clear' items on the shelves.
“When items are discontinued or seasonal, they are reduced to clear from tinned meat to old stock.
“And also the freezer section can find some bargains.
“You need to look out when doing your normal shopping.
“There is also always a shelf somewhere with dry goods that are cosmetically damaged or missing items, make sure to check them out as you can sometimes bag a bargain just because of the look or dent.”
Shop in the evenings
Adam usually does his food shopping in the late afternoon or evening, claiming this is when most supermarkets discount items.
He said: “I usually go between 5 pm to 8 pm.
“M&S, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s usually reduce up to 50%.
“And after 7pm is great in M&S.”
’Too Good To Go’
Adam has found a few apps over the years that help him when it comes to saving money and stopping food waste.
He said: “Use the app 'Too Good To Go'!
“I’ve picked up magic bags from my local Greggs, Starbucks, YO! Sushi, and Morrisons.
“I usually get them after work, so from about 7pm to 9pm, and I try to get one or two a week.
“These can be a great way to get more for your money.
“Purchase on the app and turn up at the collection time to get a mystery bag.
“These often provide my lunches, as well as sweet treats and dinner.
“I once got a box from Morrisons which was full of veg and fruit, and I only paid £3.
“These are unpredictable, but also exciting to see what you get.”
Cashback and food waste apps
Adam also often uses CheckoutSmart, Shopmium, and GreenJinn, which are applications to help you find free and discounted items.
He said: “These are great, they have definitely consumed a lot of my time over the years.
“You buy the items to try for free or money off and submit your receipt to get the money back.
“At first this sounded too good to be true, but it wasn't and has become a way of life now.”
Adam also downloaded Olio during the pandemic to re-home surplus food that was going out of date or going to be thrown out.
He said: “I’d give things away and sometimes would get items in exchange for others.
“It’s a great way to get items for free, and to also save items from waste.”
Where to shop
Living in London, Adam has also shared some of his favourite supermarkets for bargains.
He said: “I always used to just shop in Tesco and Asda, but working near other supermarkets changed my habits.
“I would have thought M&S and Waitrose would be too expensive even reduced, but have bagged loads of cut-price bargains from both stores!
“Some supermarkets can be rock bottom prices like Asda has 10-50p items.”
He still splashes out on the luxuries now and then but advises watching your money while still having fun.
Adam added: “When I see something I like and it is a bit more of a pricey item, I will absolutely splash out!
“The money I have saved elsewhere can be justified towards it!”
