Tesco has reinstated its Free Fruit for Kids scheme as part of its broader campaign to encourage healthy eating across the UK. The initiative will run for two weeks, from 30 December 2025 to 13 January 2026, offering complimentary British-grown apples to children in more than 800 of its larger stores.
The move coincides with a time of year when many households seek to adopt healthier lifestyles. By integrating the fruit giveaway with its wider Less To Pay For Five-a-Day campaign, Tesco aims to support families in making more nutritious choices as they begin the new year.
More than Three Million Apples to Be Distributed in Stores Nationwide
Tesco is expected to give away over three million apples during the fortnight, according to the company’s announcement. Children accompanying their families in-store will be able to collect a free apple at the checkout in participating locations. A similar offer will also apply to Click and Collect customers in 119 of Tesco’s larger branches, where apples will be included with collection orders for families.
All the apples provided are British-grown, sourced from six suppliers including Adrian Scripps Ltd, Mansfields, Allied Growers, AM Fresh, Charltons Farms and Wye Fruit. The retailer’s UK CEO, Ashwin Prasad, stated: “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.”
The free fruit initiative builds on Tesco’s existing Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, which supported approximately 140,000 children during the 2024/2025 academic year with more than 10 million portions of fruit and vegetables. According to Tesco, the supermarket has worked closely with schools to improve children’s access to healthier foods through such schemes.
Broader Campaign Addresses Barriers to Healthy Eating across the UK
The fruit giveaway is part of Tesco’s broader January health campaign, which includes promotions both in-store and online. According to Tesco’s announcement, a refreshed five-a-day hub on the Tesco Real Food website will offer recipe inspiration, while the January edition of the Tesco Magazine will feature a six-page spread focused on five-a-day meals.
Beginning 12 January 2026, selected customers will also be invited to take part in Clubcard Challenges, where points can be earned by purchasing items such as fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, canned produce, beans, pulses and dried fruit. The supermarket has confirmed new Clubcard Prices will be applied to relevant products, in addition to its Fresh Five weekly offers on commonly consumed fruit and vegetables.
Tesco’s approach follows a year-long health consultation carried out in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation. According to the findings, common barriers to healthier eating among families and young people include a lack of cooking confidence, limited accessibility and insufficient inspiration. The current campaign aims to directly address those issues by pairing affordability with practical support.
Government figures cited by Tesco indicate that fewer than one in ten children and just one in five adults currently meet the recommended daily intake of five portions of fruit and vegetables. The campaign is part of Tesco’s wider strategy to promote healthier shopping behaviours and support long-term changes in consumer habits.
