How to save money at Tesco

What is Tesco?

Tesco is a British multinational supermarket and the market leader for groceries in the UK. From January 2017 to December 2020, Tesco has been on top, providing almost 30% of the food market in the UK. Second place comes Sainsbury's and third place, ASDA. Tesco was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen in Hackney, London.

Where is Tesco? 

You can find Tesco stores all over the UK. These stores are usually in four different sizes: Tesco Express, Tesco Metro, Tesco Superstores (supermarkets), and Tesco Extra (hypermarkets). These stores will range mainly in size, opening hours and product availability. 

Tesco Express acts as a convenience store in big city centres with longer opening hours and less products. Tesco Extra is a hypermarket with thousands of square metres and out of town locations, shorter opening hours and huge product ranges.

How many Tesco stores are there in the UK? 

Tesco has more than 2,500 stores in the UK. 

Where is my nearest Tesco?

You can find your nearest Tesco store by using its store locator here. 

Tesco Opening Hours 

What time does Tesco open? 

Most Tesco stores open around 7 AM during weekdays and on Saturdays. This can change depending on the location or if it’s a national holiday. 

It’s very common for supermarkets in the UK to open later on Sundays, usually, around 11 AM. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Tesco Express, which is Tesco’s smallest store, usually opens daily at 6 AM. 

What time does Tesco close? 

Most Tesco stores close around 10 to 11 PM during the week and on Saturdays. This can change depending on the location or if it’s a national holiday. 

It’s very common for supermarkets in the UK to close earlier on Sundays, usually around 5 PM.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Tesco Express, which is Tesco’s smallest store, usually closes daily at 12 AM. 

How to save money at Tesco? 9 ways to save money on your Tesco shopping 

Do you want to save money at Tesco? Latest Deals has selected 9 ways to save money on your Tesco shopping, check them out below: 

1. Get a Clubcard (it’s free)

The best way to save money at Tesco is by getting a Clubcard. You can sign-up for one for free. Every time you shop you can collect points that can be transformed into vouchers to be used not only at Tesco but also at many other Tesco partners. Check them out here! Some other advantages are: 

• Tesco Weekly Little Helps deals: if you get the card, you will be able to take advantage of these weekly deals with discounts of up to 50% on many different products. 
• Fresh 5: if you get the card, you also have access to five seasonal fruits and vegetables at low prices.

2. Invest in a Clubcard Plus membership (£7.99 per month)

If you are a loyal Tesco customer, you can get a step ahead and invest in a Clubcard Plus membership. This will take you further when it comes to saving money, but only if you shop at Tesco a lot. The first month is free and you get these advantages: 

• 10% off two shops of your choice in-store.
• 10% off selected Tesco brands in-store. 
• Double data from Tesco Mobile.
• Access to application for Clubcard Plus Credit Card from Tesco Bank.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the only advantage if you shop in-store at Tesco and if you have a Tesco mobile, for example. Make sure you are making the most of your monthly memberships. 

3.  Shop with a Clubcard Plus Credit Card 

If you shop at Tesco regularly, you could enjoy even more benefits by shopping with a Clubcard Plus Credit Card. You can collect points not only with your Tesco shopping but by shopping elsewhere. Depending on your credit score, you will be able to get different types of card with Tesco Bank. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: You can only apply for a Clubcard Plus Credit Card if you are already a Clubcard Plus member. 

4. Look for the yellow-sticker items 

Tesco marks its products down twice a day, towards the end of the day and into the early evening. If you have a store next to you, make sure to go these times to find some bargains.

IMPORTANT NOTE: One tip from our community is to get yellow stickers on items you can freeze. Even if you don’t need this item at the moment, it’s good to make a food reserve for the next coming up weeks, even more so if it will help you save money. 

5.  Switch to Tesco's own brand versions

Another way to save money at Tesco is by switching to Tesco’s own brand products. If you use our Supermarket Comparison Tool when shopping at Tesco, you will see when it’s worth doing the switch or sticking to the branded option! 

6.  Sign up for the Christmas Saver scheme

Like ASDA, Tesco offers a Christmas Saver Scheme, where you can get a bonus the more you save. If you have a Clubcard, you can start saving. It’s important to keep in mind that you can only top-up your card when you are shopping in-store. You will receive your bonus by the following November.

• Top up over £25 to earn a £1.50 bonus; 
• Top up over £50  to earn a £3 bonus; 
• Top up over £100 to earn a £6 bonus; 
• Top up over £200 to earn a £12 bonus.

7. Shop at Tesco’s Outlet on eBay 

Tesco has its own outlet store on eBay, where you can find some products with discounts. It’s always worth checking it out. Especially if you have the habit of shopping on eBay. 

8. Use Topcashback 

You can get an account at Topcashback for free. This website usually offers some deals at Tesco, where you can earn some cashback when you shop online. 

9. Look for Aldi Price Match products 

Tesco has launched a campaign in March 2020 to match some of its product prices with Aldi. You can look for them online here. This can help you save money as Aldi is one of the cheapest supermarkets in the UK.

How good are Tesco stores?

According to Which.co.uk, Tesco has a 6.1 grade (out of 10) regarding the overall quality of its physical stores. Both store layout and appearance are good and earn the approval of its customers. Tesco also has good staff availability, helpfulness and queuing time. When you visit Tesco, you can find a good range of products and most of the time all the products are in stock.

 The overall quality of own-label products and fresh products is better than average as well. The two problems with Tesco, as reported by Which?, is that you won’t get the best value for money, as it’s a more expensive supermarket when compared with Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons and Asda, for example. In addition, Tesco still uses a lot of plastic to pack its products. Tesco is trying to reduce the amount of plastic, but there is still a long way to go. 

How good is Tesco online?

According to Which.co.uk, Tesco Online has a 7.2 grade (out of 10) regarding its overall quality. When you go to Tesco.com, you will have an easy time finding products on the website and in the app. Tesco online offers an average service when it comes to the availability of convenient delivery slots, products being in stock and the choice of substitute items.

Online, you can get a good range of products. The overall quality of own-label products and fresh products are good. The driver’s service is above average, offering quality delivery. Online, you can choose not to receive any plastic bags, which gives Tesco a better grade when it comes to recycling for its online shopping experience. 

F&F at Tesco 

F&F is Tesco’s own clothing line. Within this line, you can find clothing for women, men and kids. 

• Cheap school uniforms 

F&F has some of the cheapest options for school uniforms. You can get a pack of two boys’ shirts from only £3.50 and two girls’ trousers from £6, for example. Tesco also offers a 100-day guarantee for all its school uniforms packs. If the uniform wears out quicker than expected, you can exchange it for a new one within a 100 days counting from the day of purchase.

Sales Dates at Tesco 

When is Tesco Black Friday? 

Tesco usually takes part in the Black Friday event and the best way to know when the sales are happening is by following Tesco’s social media profiles.

When is the Tesco Baby Event?

Tesco Baby and Toddler Event happens throughout the year. The best way to know when the next one is by following Tesco’s social media profiles. 

What Gift cards does Tesco sell?

Tesco sells a lot of different gift cards. You can find them in-store or online. Check out some of the options you can buy online. 

Tesco’s Own-brand Food Ranges

It’s very common in the British supermarket industry for big retailers to have their own-brand products, with Tesco being no different. At Tesco, you can find more than one own-brand food range. You can find some of them below: 

• Tesco

Under the brand Tesco, you will find almost 3,000 products with all the basic products you need and much more. You will save more money if you look for the product you want in this range first. 

• Stockwell & Co.

This is a new Tesco brand and it was launched to be the everyday value range. Within this range, you can find the cheapest options available at Tesco for the most popular British everyday products. At the moment, this is still pretty small. 

• The Grower's Harvest

It's also a recently launched Tesco brand, also pretty affordable. In this range, you will find harvested products, such as oats, peas, corn, oranges, tomatoes and much more. At the moment, this range is also pretty small. 

• Hearty Food & Co.

This range offers family meals made with good quality ingredients for the ultimate comfort food. You can find ready meals such as pasta dishes, pizzas, pies, and more.  At the moment, this range is fairly limited.

Tesco Meal Deals 

Another important point for any supermarket in the UK is the Meal Deals. Nowadays, there are two types of meal deals. The first one is a lunchtime deal and the second one is a dinner deal. Tesco offers both options: 

• Tesco’s lunchtime deal 

Tesco usually has a £3 lunchtime deal, where you get a main, a snack and a drink for one. This is not currently available online, but you may find it in-store. 

• Tesco’s dinner deal 

Tesco has a Finest Meal Deal. For only £10, you get one main, one side, one dessert and a drink. This serves 2 people.

Does Tesco Sell Vegan Food?

Tesco's brand of vegan food is called Plant Chef. You can find lots of different options including frozen and chilled ready meals. All the products cost less than £3.50, and most of them are around £2. Check out some of the options available at the moment. 

Tesco Free From 

Tesco has one of the biggest selection of Free From products. If you have a dietary restriction, and you visit Tesco in-store or online, you will definitely find a substitute for most of the products that have gluten, dairy, eggs or wheat. Tesco’s own Free From brand has more than 150 products. Check out some of the options available at the moment. 

Alcohol at Tesco 

You can find almost all the alcoholic beverages in Tesco with thousands of options to choose from. Most of the time, you can get them on offer. Click here to see what they sell. 

What time can you buy alcohol in Tesco? 

If the Tesco store is open 24 hours, you can usually buy alcohol at any time. If the Tesco store is not open 24hours, you can buy it during opening hours. 

What time does Tesco stop selling alcohol?

It depends on the Tesco store. If the Tesco store is open 24 hours, you can buy alcohol at any time. If the Tesco store is not open for 24 hours, you will need to purchase it during opening hours. 

Ordering Online at Tesco 

You can order online at Tesco via their website. They sell most of the same items you would find in-store and more. 

How do I cancel a Tesco order?

To cancel a Tesco order, you will need to access your account using your email address and password. Then locate the order you want to cancel. You will see the option to either amend or cancel the order.

Tesco’s Delivery 

You can also get your Tesco online order by delivery at your chosen address. Learn more about it below:

How much is Tesco delivery?

It depends. At the moment, the cheapest Tesco delivery fee you will pay is around £3. 

What happens if I miss my Tesco delivery?

If you’ve missed your delivery, you will get a card from the Customer Delivery Assistant, which has a phone number. You can also reach out to Tesco’s customer services. If the van is not returned to the store, they will try to deliver it once again. Once the van is back in the store, your order will be cancelled and you will need to reorder. 

How do I get a Tesco home delivery slot?

The best way to get a Tesco home delivery slot is by booking it in advance. Tesco gives you a time frame of three weeks, so you are likely to find a slot. Another option is to get a delivery for the next day, sometimes people cancel their orders and slots appear for the next day. So, either you plan in advance for the next few weeks or do an unexpected order if you see a slot available for the next day. 

Tesco’s Click and Collect

You can also get your Tesco online order via Click and Collect. Learn more about it below:

How does Tesco Click and Collect work?

It’s very simple, you just need to go to Tesco.com. To place your order, you will need to create an account with an email address and a password. You can then start filling up your online cart. Once you are done, proceed to check out where you can choose the store and the date you want to collect your order. Finally, you pay for it!

Tesco Mobile 

Tesco has its own mobile company. So you can get your smartphone and SIM with them. You can choose from a monthly plan or pay as you go, you can also get SIM only or a smartphone plus SIM. Tesco Mobile also offers insurance. If you have a Clubcard, you have even more advantages.

How to top-up Tesco Mobile?

You can top-up your Tesco Mobile at any Tesco Store or via its app. 

What network is Tesco Mobile?

Tesco Mobile's service is based on O2's network.

Tesco Cafe 

Tesco has its own cafes in some stores. The stores that usually have cafes are the biggest ones. Via Tesco’s store locators, you can check where you can find the nearest Tesco Cafe within your location. You can see Tesco Cafe’s menu here. 

What time does Tesco Cafe open?

Tesco Cafe usually opens around the same time as the store. This will depend on the store you are visiting. 

What time does Tesco Cafe close?

Tesco Cafe usually closes earlier than the store closing times. This will depend on the store you are visiting. 

Tesco Pharmacy 

In some of Tesco’s stores, you will be able to find a Pharmacy. There you can get your NHS prescription and much more. Tesco Pharmacy is usually open later in comparison to other supermarket pharmacies and at weekends.

What time does Tesco Pharmacy open?

During weekdays and Saturdays, you will find the pharmacy open from 8 AM. Sundays, around 10 AM. 

What time does Tesco Pharmacy close?

During weekdays and Saturdays, you will find the pharmacy closed from 8 PM. Sundays, around 4 PM.

IMPORTANT NOTE: At Tesco Pharmacy, you can get a flu shot for only £9.  

How do I contact Tesco? 

• Email: tescohelpline@tesco.com.my

You can use this email address to contact Tesco. 

• Telephone number: 

0800 323 4040 and 0330 123 4040 (For online shopping)

You can reach out to Tesco’s customer service from 7 AM to 11 PM, Monday to Saturday and from 10 AM to 10 PM, on Sundays. Times can change during bank holidays. 

0800 505 555 and 0330 123 4055 (For in-store shopping)

You can reach out to Tesco’s customer service from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Saturday and from 9 AM to 6 PM, on Sundays. Times can change during bank holidays. 

Tesco's Social Media 

Tesco’s Facebook Profile. 

Tesco’s Instagram Profile. 

Tesco’s Twitter Profile. 

FAQ