Tesco shopper's 'little known' hack to get free items with online orders

A Tesco shopper has shared a 'little known' hack to get free items with online orders - and it's left other customers stunned

A shrewd Tesco customer has taken to Facebook to share an ingenious tip which landed her extra items such as Fairy Dishwasher Tablets at no cost with her online shopping. Posting in a group dedicated to Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, the savvy shopper named Lisa shared her recent success.

She advised: "Don't know if this is common knowledge but when you are doing online shopping for Tesco you can type in the word SAMPLE and various available samples come up for you to choose for free." Lisa added, "They change regularly, I believe."

The screenshot Lisa provided appeared to be from Tesco's mobile app, where it touted, "100% off free sample." Although the price showed 1p, a note assured customers that: "Free sample: You will not be charged 1p on checkout.", reports the Mirror.

It’s also important to consider the terms which specify: "Subject to availability and £50 minimum basket spend. Available online only. Excludes Whoosh. Clubcard required. Delivery and Click+Collect charges apply."

Taking advantage of Lisa's tip, customers found they could snag not just dishwashing tablets but also samples like Coca-Cola Zero Lemon, according to coverage by Wales Online.

Her useful suggestion garnered a lot of attention, eliciting numerous likes and comments from fellow deal-seekers.

For those looking to cash in on similar deals, the trick is simple. Input the magic code while doing your online shop.

A quick search for 'free sample' on Tesco's website reveals a current list of freebies as follows: Emma added her two cents in the comment section, "I got that the other week with coke zero lemon and a shandy."

Wendy let slip: "Me and my Husband both work for Tesco Dotcom and we have to put in the free samples just before or after we have picked the items."

Joanne shared her tidbit: "I've had a free fosters shandy and mini can of cola for last 3 weeks. But think I must have hit maximum received as it doesn't come up anymore."

Georgina voiced her annoyance, stating: "Whenever I add the free samples they are always out of stock."

Ash chimed in with a grievance: "Tried last night. out of stock."

Meanwhile, Charlie commented: "I got the fosters shandy but the other 2 are always out of stock."

Alongside these efforts, Tesco continues its battle against food waste and provides surplus goodies to those in need through initiatives like Community Food Connection—a collaboration with FareShare and OLIO—to distribute excess food from Tesco stores to charities and community gatherings. Volunteering individuals can utilize an app to identify available food and arrange collection.