Kathrine Frich
Supermarkets are facing growing scrutiny over their role in shaping diets.
Major retailers are increasingly turning to incentives rather than price cuts.
One of the UK’s largest chains is now reviving a familiar scheme aimed at children.
Free fruit returns
Tesco has announced it will give away free food to shoppers in more than 800 UK stores for a limited period. From Tuesday,
December 30, children shopping with their families will be able to pick up free apples at store checkouts.
The offer will run for two weeks, ending on January 13, 2026. Tesco said the scheme will be available in over 800 branches nationwide.
Families using Click and Collect will also benefit, with free apples provided for children in 119 of the retailer’s larger stores.
Healthy push
The giveaway marks the return of Tesco’s Free Fruit for Kids initiative, part of a wider effort to encourage healthier eating.
The supermarket said the apples will be supplied by six UK-based producers.
Tesco expects to hand out more than three million apples over the two-week period.
The move builds on its expanded Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, which provides free produce to pupils through schools.
The retailer said the timing is intended to help families start 2026 with healthier habits.
Why it matters
The return of the scheme follows government figures showing that fewer than one in 10 children, and only one in five adults, eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Tesco said the initiative is designed to remove small barriers to healthier choices, particularly for families shopping during the busy holiday period.
Alongside the free fruit, the supermarket is rolling out further incentives linked to its loyalty scheme.
Clubcard incentives
From January 12 to February 22, selected customers will be invited to earn Clubcard points by buying fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, as well as beans, pulses, canned produce and dried fruit.
Tesco said new Clubcard prices, weekly Fresh 5 offers and recipe content will also feature online.
Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s UK CEO, 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.”
Sources: Tesco, UK government health data
