When Do UK Supermarkets Restock? Best Times to Shop 2025

If you have ever walked into a supermarket and noticed half-empty shelves or products missing from your regular list, you have probably arrived between restocking cycles. Most shoppers don’t think about when supermarkets restock, but timing your visit can make a big difference. From getting the freshest fruit and vegetables to catching yellow sticker bargains before they disappear, understanding restock schedules can actually help you save money and shop smarter.

Supermarkets in the UK operate on tight logistics systems. Their restock routines depend on delivery frequency, staff availability, customer flow, and store size. Some chains refill overnight, while others restock several times during the day. Knowing when each store does it can help you avoid disappointment, especially when you are after specific items that sell out quickly.

Why Restock Times Matter

Restock times determine more than just shelf appearance. They influence how fresh your produce will be, whether you find limited edition items, and even how much you spend. Early morning shoppers often get first access to new deliveries, while evening visitors may catch discounted goods nearing their best before dates. Learning how each supermarket schedules its restock can help you plan your shopping trips strategically.

Tesco Restock Schedule

Tesco operates one of the largest logistics networks in the UK, which means most of its stores are restocked overnight. Deliveries usually arrive between 10 pm and 6 am, and staff begin refilling shelves immediately. By the time stores open at 7 am, fresh goods like bakery items, dairy, and produce are ready. Smaller Express branches restock more frequently throughout the day since they have less storage space. The best time to shop at Tesco for a full selection is between 7 am and 9 am. That’s when the overnight deliveries have just been arranged, and before crowds arrive. If you prefer hunting for markdowns or yellow sticker items, visit in the evening after 7 pm. At that time, staff begin reducing perishable stock for same day clearance.

Asda Restock Schedule

Asda follows a similar overnight restock pattern for its 24-hour and large stores. Stock replenishment typically begins late at night, with the heaviest restock activity happening between 2 am and 6 am. If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll find the freshest produce, newly stocked bakery items, and filled shelves across grocery aisles. For smaller Asda Living and supermarket branches that close earlier, restocking may occur before opening or in mid-afternoon to prepare for after-work crowds. The best shopping window at Asda is early morning or around 3 pm when mid-day restocks hit shelves. Bargain seekers can check between 7 pm and 9 pm when staff begin reducing items that are approaching expiry dates.

Aldi Restock Schedule

Aldi’s restock routine is different because of its lean business model. Deliveries usually arrive once a day, most often in the early morning between 4 am and 7 am. Staff fill shelves before doors open. Aldi’s low-cost model doesn’t rely on frequent deliveries, which means popular items, including Specialbuys, can sell out within hours. The best time to visit Aldi for new stock is right at opening time, especially on Wednesdays and Sundays when Specialbuys drop. Late-evening shoppers may find discounted perishables with yellow stickers.

Lidl Restock Schedule

Lidl follows a pattern close to Aldi’s. Deliveries typically happen once daily, overnight or early morning, depending on store location. Staff usually begin restocking from 5 am so that shelves are ready when the doors open at 8 am. Since Lidl focuses heavily on efficiency, shelves are replenished directly from pallets to reduce handling time. Shoppers looking for the freshest bakery items and produce should visit within the first few hours of opening. Lidl also reduces prices for perishable items later in the day, often after 6 pm, so evening trips can lead to great deals.

Sainsbury’s Restock Schedule

Sainsbury’s uses a mixed restock schedule. Large stores typically receive deliveries overnight and complete shelf restocks before opening. Smaller Sainsbury’s Local shops restock more frequently during the day, sometimes up to four times depending on delivery volume and customer flow. The busiest restocking periods happen early in the morning and around lunchtime. The best time to find fresh items at Sainsbury’s is between 8 am and 10 am. Evening visits, particularly between 7 pm and 8 pm, are perfect for catching reduced-to-clear items.

Morrisons Restock Schedule

Morrisons has a robust in-house supply chain since it operates many of its own food production sites. Deliveries arrive several times per day in larger stores, especially for fresh produce, dairy, and meat. Most shelf restocking occurs overnight, with additional top-ups in the early afternoon. If you want the widest range of options, shop between 8 am and 11 am. For best discounts, check the aisles after 6 pm when the evening markdowns start.

Co-op Restock Schedule

The Co-op operates smaller stores in local neighbourhoods, which means restocking is more frequent but in smaller quantities. Deliveries can arrive two or three times per day depending on region and demand. Morning restocks usually cover bakery and dairy, while afternoon restocks focus on chilled meals and snacks. If you want to shop when shelves are fullest, go between 8 am and 10 am. If you prefer discounted goods, try 8 pm just before closing. Since Co-op stores are community-based, restock timing can vary slightly from one branch to another.

Iceland Restock Schedule

Iceland focuses on frozen goods, so its restock rhythm is slightly different. Most restocking happens overnight or early morning, but frozen deliveries are staggered throughout the day to keep freezers full and temperatures controlled. If you’re looking for newly arrived frozen stock or special offers, shopping between 9 am and noon is ideal. Iceland also offers home delivery, which draws from the same store inventory, so timing your visit after a morning restock means a better product selection.

Waitrose Restock Schedule

Waitrose has a higher frequency of fresh food deliveries since it positions itself as a premium supermarket. Large stores restock overnight, but bakery, produce, and ready-meal sections are often replenished again mid-morning. For the freshest selection, visit before 10 am. Waitrose is also known for early evening markdowns, typically around 6 pm to 7 pm, when staff reduce prices for same-day perishables.

Best Times to Shop Overall

While exact schedules differ by location, a few general rules hold true across UK supermarkets. Early morning is ideal for freshness and full stock, while late evening works best for bargains. Monday mornings are often busiest with new stock after the weekend, and mid-week, Tuesday to Thursday, tends to be quieter. If you prefer to avoid crowds, aim for mid-morning between 9 am and 11 am. Shoppers focused on savings can plan visits around evening markdown windows, usually between 6 pm and 8 pm.

How Online Shopping Fits In

Online grocery shopping adds another layer to restocking. Most supermarkets source online orders directly from local branches, meaning availability depends on recent deliveries. Ordering early in the day increases your chances of getting everything you picked, while late-day orders might face substitutions. To get the best results, schedule deliveries for mornings or early afternoons when shelves are freshly filled.

Tips for Timing Your Shopping Trips

Shop early if freshness matters. Fresh bakery items, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products arrive with overnight deliveries, so mornings give you the best selection. If your goal is saving money, plan for evening visits. Supermarkets begin reducing perishable stock toward the end of the day to clear space for new deliveries. Ask staff politely about restock times for specific departments. Many stores have consistent delivery schedules, and regular shoppers often know which days are best for certain items. Remember that weekend mornings are peak hours everywhere, so if you value peace and space, choose mid-week instead.

Behind the Scenes: How Restocking Works

Restocking might look simple, but it involves logistics, forecasting, and technology. Supermarkets rely on sales data to predict what needs replenishing. Night shifts handle the bulk of the work, unpacking pallets, checking dates, and arranging displays. Smaller stores restock more frequently because they have limited space. Online orders also influence what gets restocked first since inventory must match real-time orders from both in-store and online channels. That’s why sometimes you’ll notice missing items even when it’s early; they’ve already been reserved for online orders.

Seasonal Factors

Restock patterns can change during busy seasons like Christmas or Easter. Supermarkets extend delivery hours and may restock continuously to keep up with demand. During holidays, early shoppers get the best selections of limited editions, while last-minute visitors might face shortages. During sales events such as Black Friday or seasonal promotions, stores adjust restock times to accommodate heavy foot traffic.

Final Thoughts

Knowing when your local supermarket restocks can transform your shopping experience. Whether you’re chasing freshness or deals, the right timing ensures you always get the best value. Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons mainly restock overnight, while Aldi and Lidl rely on early morning deliveries. Smaller chains like Co-op restock throughout the day, and premium retailers like Waitrose focus on freshness with multiple daily top-ups. With this knowledge, you can plan your trips better, save money, and avoid frustration.