The research also showed the day which should be avoided at all costs
Shopping at Christmas is often expensive and stressful
Christmas is on the horizon, and Britain’s supermarkets are about to transform into a real-life version of Supermarket Sweep. As households nationwide prepare for the most indulgent week of the year, shoppers must navigate the familiar festive juggling act – buying everything from sprouts to stuffing, without letting the stress of the pre-dawn turkey dash steal the season’s joy.
With one in three Brits feeling financially worse off than last year, and over 40 per cent planning to dip into savings or use credit cards to fund their festivities, timing the big food shop just right could make all the difference.
Experts at VoucherCodes.co.uk have amalgamated retailer data, independent research, and expert insight to unveil the best days to shop for value, tranquillity, and convenience.
Shopping at Christmas is often expensive and stressful
The ideal time to do your food shop – Tuesday, December 16
According to VoucherCodes.co.uk ‘s Christmas data, Tuesday, December 16 is the prime day to do your big festive food shop this year. Footfall is low, shelves are well-stocked, and stress levels are manageable – making it perfect for anyone who wants to get ahead, stock the freezer, and dodge the last-minute turkey scramble.
When to steer clear of the aisles – Saturday, December 20
Saturday, December 20 is predicted to be the busiest day in UK supermarkets, with nearly 20 million shoppers hitting the aisles to snatch up last-minute groceries, festive drinks, and forgotten gifts.
It’s the first day of the last weekend before Christmas – when forgotten shopping lists and aisle forgetfulness really start to take hold – so brace yourself for packed trolleys, lengthy queues, and dwindling supplies.
READ MORE: Woman flies to Berlin for the day for just £100 – and was back in time for bedREAD MORE: New Santander figures show one in five first-time buyers over 40
Best day to shop online – Wednesday, December 17
For those intending to do their shopping online, Wednesday, December 17 is the ideal day to load up your virtual basket. Retailers will still have a full range of stock and dependable delivery schedules.
Beyond this date, supermarket delivery slots start to fill up, final order deadlines rapidly approach, and substitutions become commonplace.
Best day to snap up a deal – Wednesday, December 24
If you’re game for a gamble in the pursuit of savings, Christmas Eve is tipped to be the prime day to snag a yellow-sticker deal. Supermarkets typically slash prices on fresh produce, desserts, and festive items before shutting up shop – perfect for budget-conscious shoppers willing to inject a bit of spontaneous festivity into their plans.
But be warned, some shops may shut early (or not open at all), so it’s wise to do your homework before risking everything at the eleventh hour.
Savings guru Zoe Morris has said: “Food is at the heart of Christmas – it’s what brings people together and fills the season with joy. But for many, the festive food shop has become a source of stress rather than excitement – queues, empty shelves, and rising costs can take the sparkle out of even the most joyful traditions. Planning when and how you’ll shop helps you save time, stress, and money – letting you focus on what really matters around the table.”
VoucherCodes.co.uk combined retailer data, independent research, and expert insight to reveal the best days to shop
Zoe’s top tips for a stress-free, budget-friendly food shop:
“Don’t gamble by leaving it last minute – not only will you risk busy shops and empty shelves, but you will also be more prone to panic-buying (especially if things from your list are sold out! ) Watch you don’t blow your budget on luxury reindeer food without realising.
“Plan your meals early and split your shop – buy frozen, tinned, and cupboard essentials ahead of time, especially if you can grab them while they are discounted, and save fresh items until closer to the big day.
“Check for yellow-sticker reductions in the first hour after stores open or late in the evening – that’s when you’ll find the best savings on fresh items.”
Dining and Cooking