EASTER is fast approaching and there isn’t long left to grab a bargain on your favourite chocolate.
Price wars are on and retailers are slashing the price of Easter eggs.
Easter is coming and shoppers will want to know when they can bag the best deals
But with so many offers around, and others popping up left, right and centre, it can be difficult to know if you’re actually getting the cheapest price.
To help you protect your pennies, The Sun spoke to Sarah-Jane, a deals expert at MyVoucherCodes, to find out exactly when you should be buying your Easter eggs.
But remember, prices can change daily at this time of the year so it is best to do your own comparison to make sure you are getting the cheapest deal.
You can use price comparion sites such as Google Shopping and Trolley.co.uk to compare prices across different retailers.
Below, Sarah-Jane reveals the best time to get your chocolate before Easter, and when to bag huge reductions.
The cheapest time to buy chocolate before Easter
Easter may still be over two weeks away, but Sarah said there’s no time to waste when it comes to getting the best deal.
“The best time to stock up on Easter eggs is right now,” Sarah said.
“Supermarket giants like Tesco and Sainsbury’s are offering reduced prices to loyal customers who have a Clubcard or Nectar Card – but these offers won’t last long.”
Tesco has slashed the cost of 22 of its extra large Easter eggs including many Cadbury varieties.
For example, Clubcard customers can snap up a 232g Cadbury Dairy Milk Twirl Easter Egg for £3.50.
But if you’re not signed up for the loyalty scheme, you’ll have to pay a fiver.
You’ll need to act quickly too because the vast majority of these deals will expire on March 19.
Elsewhere, Sainsbury’s has various reductions on Easter eggs for Nectar card shoppers.
Sarah said the retailer is evening slashing the price of some of its “luxury” brands.
This includes a 195g large Lindt Easter egg with a salted caramel gold bunny selling for £9 with a Nectar card, and £11 without.
There is no end date for Sainsbury’s offer, but they change regularly so it’s best to act before the deals disappear.
Sarah-Jane said it’s also worth checking out Morrisons.
She added: “The supermarket is also offering reductions and special bundles on Easter eggs and treats.
“The good news is – the cheaper prices are staying until March 31.
“But it is only until stocks last – so shop sooner rather than later so you don’t miss out.”
But Sarah-Jane said it’s also important to check out discounter retailers too.
She said: “Although the larger supermarkets have some great deals, don’t forget to check out value shops like Aldi, Lidl and Poundland for Easter chocolate bargains.”
The cheapest time to buy Easter eggs after Easter
Even when Easter is over, shoppers may still be keen to bag a bargain on their favourite chocolate.
Most retailers will start selling off their Easter stock on Easter Sunday, Sarah-Jane said.
“Small supermarkets that are open on Easter Sunday may have eggs reduced shortly before closing,” she added.
Big supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s will close their larger stores on Easter Sunday, but you can still check out Express and Local stores.
Either way, the vast majority of deals will come in the days after Easter.
Sarah-Jane said: “Expect to see Easter eggs reduced throughout the day on Easter Monday.
“The Tuesday after Easter will see the most reductions as shops will be freeing up space for other seasonal products.”
In previous years, The Sun found Easter eggs at Morrisons reduced to as little as £1.99.
Discounts will vary across supermarkets and branches, as it depends on how many the shops have left over.
Some might not have any Easter eggs on sale at all if they sold out before the big day.
It’s worth having a look online or heading to your local store to see if there are any bargains up for grabs.
How can I save on my supermarket shop?
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.