Tesco confirms free food item for certain customers at the checkout
Tesco has announced the return of a popular initiative for shoppers starting this week. With millions of people setting New Year's resolutions to improve their diets, Tesco is launching a campaign aimed at providing support.The supermarket emphasises its ongoing commitment to assist families nationwide in consuming more fruits and vegetables, ensuring a healthy start to 2026 with its 'Less To Pay For Five-a-Day' initiative. For a duration of two weeks, from December 30, 2025, to January 13, 2026, children shopping with their families will once again have the opportunity to receive free apples at checkouts in over 800 large Tesco locations.Additionally, Click and Collect customers will also receive complimentary apples for their children at 119 of Tesco’s larger stores. The apples offered will be sourced from British growers, coming from six suppliers throughout the UK, thereby helping children enjoy more of this nutritious fruit.Ashwin Prasad, UK CEO of Tesco said: "We’re committed to making healthy choices easier, quicker and better value for our customers. With new offers, Clubcard Challenges, free fruit for kids and fresh online recipes, we’re helping kids get more of their five‑a‑day, and making healthy eating fun for the entire nation."Tesco anticipates distributing more than three million apples during the two-week timeframe. This initiative enhances Tesco's expanded Fruit and Veg for Schools program, which aims to provide more children throughout the UK with access to free fruits and vegetables via their schools. In the previous academic year (2024/2025), approximately 140,000 children benefited from over 10 million servings of fruits and vegetables.Government statistics indicate that less than 10% of children and 20% of adults consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This insight comes after a year-long consultation conducted in various communities throughout the UK, with Tesco striving to simplify and reduce the cost of healthy eating for all households.The complimentary fruits and vegetables are just one part of Tesco's broader healthy food initiative, which is active in stores and online throughout January to motivate customers to opt for healthier options. Furthermore, starting January 12, 2026, select customers will have the opportunity to earn Clubcard points through Clubcard Challenges by purchasing fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, beans and pulses, canned produce, and dried fruits.New Clubcard pricing and promotions will be introduced for fruits and vegetables, alongside weekly Fresh Five deals on essential five-a-day items. An updated five-a-day hub on the Tesco Real Food website will offer recipe suggestions and inspiration.The January edition of the Tesco Magazine will also have a six-page spread including inspirational five-a-day recipes. Social media posts on Tesco channels will also share healthy food content. Some of the key products being highlighted in deals and recipes include apples, oranges, lettuce, and avocados, as well as frozen options such as peas, sweet corn, and mixed vegetables.Earlier this year, Tesco conducted regional health consultations in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation to understand the hurdles local communities across the UK face when it comes to healthy eating. It found that inspiration, accessibility and confidence in cooking were among the biggest barriers, especially for families and young people.
