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Tesco gives free fruity treats for 2 weeks however Brits have to act quick

For two weeks from December 30th, children will be able to collect a free British-grown favourite at checkout in over 800 participating Tesco stores across the UK

Tesco has announced the return of a beloved initiative for customers, kicking off this week. With millions setting New Year’s resolutions to embrace healthier eating habits, the supermarket giant has launched a campaign to lend a helping hand.

The retailer says it’s pressing on with its mission to assist families nationwide in consuming more fruit and vegetables, getting off to a nutritious start for 2026 through its ‘Less To Pay For Five-a-Day’ campaign.

Running for a fortnight from December 30, 2025, to January 13, 2026, youngsters accompanying their families on shopping trips will once more be able to grab complimentary apples at tills across more than 800 large Tesco outlets.

Click and Collect patrons will also receive free apples for their little ones at 119 of Tesco’s larger branches, reports the Mirror. The apples on offer will be home-grown British varieties, sourced from half a dozen suppliers nationwide, helping youngsters get their hands on 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 is set to dish out over three million apples during a two-week period, as part of its expanded Fruit and Veg for Schools programme. This initiative aims to ensure more UK children have access to free fruit and vegetables through their schools, with around 140,000 kids benefitting from over 10 million portions of fruit and veg in the last academic year (2024/2025).

Government stats reveal that fewer than one in ten children and one in five adults manage to consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Tesco’s move comes after a year-long consultation across UK communities, with the supermarket giant aiming to make healthy eating more accessible and affordable for every household.

The free fruit and veg giveaway is just one aspect of Tesco’s broader healthy food campaign, which will run in stores and online throughout January to encourage customers to opt for healthier choices. From January, 12, 2026, selected customers will also be invited to rack up Clubcard points through Clubcard Challenges by purchasing fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, beans and pulses, canned fruit and vegetables, and dried fruit.

New Clubcard Prices and offers will be available on fruit and veg, in addition to weekly Fresh Five offers on five-a-day basics. A revamped five-a-day hub on the Tesco Real Food website will provide recipe ideas and inspiration.

The January issue of the Tesco Magazine will feature a six-page spread packed with inspirational five-a-day recipes. Additionally, Tesco’s social media channels will be sharing healthy food content.

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Key products being spotlighted 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 partnered with the British Nutrition Foundation to conduct regional health consultations.

The aim was to understand the challenges local communities across the UK face when it comes to healthy eating. The findings revealed that inspiration, accessibility and confidence in cooking were among the biggest barriers, particularly for families and young people.

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