Tesco’s Free Fruit for Kids scheme is back, offering families across the UK a simple yet powerful way to promote healthy eating. From 30 December 2025 to 13 January 2026, children can pick up free British-grown apples in over 800 large Tesco stores and 119 Click & Collect locations. This initiative is part of Tesco’s wider health campaign aimed at increasing the nation’s fruit and veg intake.
Key takeaways:
- Free British-grown apples for kids at over 800 Tesco stores
- Available at checkouts and Click & Collect locations
- Aims to give away over 3 million apples in 2 weeks
- Supports Tesco’s five-a-day and healthy eating initiatives
- Part of Tesco’s ongoing mission to make nutritious food accessible for all
What Is the Tesco Free Fruit Scheme?
Tesco’s Free Fruit for Kids scheme is a public health initiative designed to make healthy snacking more accessible for families shopping in-store. It allows children to pick up a free apple while accompanying their parents or guardians during their grocery run.
There’s no requirement to make a purchase to benefit from the offer, which has been positively received by families across the UK. This effort is part of Tesco’s long-standing commitment to healthy eating, particularly among younger generations.
It’s been relaunched in response to updated health data revealing that less than one in ten children are consuming the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Tesco’s aim is simple: to remove barriers to healthier eating while making trips to the supermarket more enjoyable for children.
The initiative also complements Tesco’s wider mission to support family well-being through value-driven offers and educational resources, proving that small changes can create healthier habits.
When and Where Can You Get Free Fruit at Tesco?
The Tesco Free Fruit scheme runs from 30 December 2025 to 13 January 2026, giving you a two-week window to take part in this healthy campaign. If you’re out shopping with children during this period, your little ones can enjoy a free apple as part of the store’s drive to encourage better eating habits.
This scheme is available in the following locations:
- Over 800 large Tesco stores across the UK
- 119 Click & Collect locations are also participating
- Fruit is found at or near the checkouts for convenience
- Applies only to children accompanied by an adult shopper
Whether you’re popping in for essentials or collecting your online order, the free fruit baskets are clearly marked and accessible. This accessibility plays a key role in reaching families and creating an inviting environment that supports healthier lifestyle choices.
What Type of Fruit Is Tesco Giving Away and Who Supplies It?
As part of this initiative, Tesco is offering children free British-grown apples, reinforcing both the health message and support for local agriculture. Apples are not only a universally loved fruit among kids but are also rich in fibre, vitamins, and low in calories, making them the perfect choice for encouraging better snacking habits.
British-grown apples as the primary offering
Tesco has focused on apples because they are easy to store, eat on the go, and have a wide appeal. Additionally, choosing locally sourced apples helps reduce the environmental impact of transportation, promoting sustainability alongside nutrition.
List of six UK suppliers (table format)
| Supplier Name | Region |
|---|---|
| Adrian Scripps Ltd | Kent |
| Mansfields | Kent |
| Allied Growers | Various UK locations |
| AM Fresh | National produce supplier |
| Charltons Farms | Herefordshire |
| Wye Fruit | Herefordshire |
These trusted suppliers ensure that the apples provided are fresh, high-quality, and meet Tesco’s commitment to supporting UK farmers.
Importance of local sourcing
Sourcing apples from UK growers not only ensures better freshness and taste but also bolsters the national agricultural economy. Tesco’s strategy also aligns with its sustainability goals by reducing its carbon footprint and supporting local supply chains.
By providing British-grown fruit, Tesco strengthens community ties and promotes national produce while improving access to healthy snacks.
Why Is Tesco Offering Free Fruit to Kids?
Tesco’s Free Fruit for Kids scheme is a response to alarming statistics from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. According to the report, fewer than one in ten children and only one in five adults in the UK meet the recommended five-a-day target. For children from low-income households, these numbers are even more concerning.
Tesco believes that by offering free fruit in-store:
- It helps tackle poor dietary habits from an early age
- Encourages kids to associate shopping with healthier food choices
- Supports parents in making more nutritious decisions for their families
- Promotes greater awareness of the importance of fruit and veg intake
This initiative is about much more than just a free apple; it’s a gateway to creating long-lasting habits that contribute to a healthier lifestyle, supported by one of the UK’s most recognised supermarkets.
How Is the Tesco Free Fruit Scheme Helping UK Families?
The scheme offers several advantages to families beyond the free snack. By integrating healthy food options into everyday routines, Tesco makes it easier for parents to influence their children’s eating behaviour in a positive way.
Families benefit through:
- Reduced snacking costs during grocery trips
- Creating conversations around healthy eating at a young age
- Providing children with positive reinforcement when choosing fruit over processed snacks
Tesco’s initiative simplifies healthy living by making it convenient and cost-free. It’s especially valuable for households with limited budgets, offering nutritious options at no extra cost.
How Many Apples Will Be Given Away During the Scheme?
Tesco expects to give away more than 3 million apples over the two-week duration of the Free Fruit scheme. This ambitious target reflects the scale and impact of the initiative, which is part of Tesco’s broader efforts to combat dietary inequalities across the UK.
The estimate also demonstrates the brand’s commitment to public health. Considering the footfall in Tesco’s large stores and Click & Collect usage, distributing this volume of fruit is entirely achievable. It also reinforces Tesco’s role in facilitating easy, practical access to healthier foods.
These millions of apples represent more than a snack; they symbolise Tesco’s mission to embed healthier choices into daily life for millions of families.
How Does the Free Fruit Scheme Connect to Tesco’s Wider Health Campaigns?
The free fruit giveaway is just one component of Tesco’s larger health strategy, namely its “Less to Pay for Five-a-Day” campaign. This broader programme focuses on affordability, access, and inspiration when it comes to choosing fruit and vegetables.
Tesco’s connected campaigns include:
- Fruit & Veg for Schools Programme served over 10 million portions to 140,000 children in the last academic year
- Clubcard Challenges offering incentives for healthier purchases like beans, pulses, and frozen veg
- Store layout adjustments prioritising fresh produce
- Product reformulations that reduce salt, sugar, and fat across own-brand items
Ashwin Prasad, UK CEO at Tesco, summarised this mission by saying:
“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.”
Together, these initiatives form a multi-layered approach to healthier eating, reflecting Tesco’s commitment to meeting a target of 65 percent healthy food sales by the end of 2026.
What Other Healthy Food Offers Are Available at Tesco in January?
January is a key time for setting health goals, and Tesco has ensured that its stores are full of options to help customers on this journey. Beyond the Free Fruit for Kids campaign, there are several other offers and tools designed to make healthy eating both affordable and appealing.
You can take advantage of:
- Clubcard Prices and Fresh 5 deals on selected fruits and vegetables
- Clubcard Challenges from 12 January to 22 February 2026
- Tesco Real Food 5-a-Day Hub with recipes and inspiration
- Tesco Magazine’s January edition, featuring a six-page spread of nutritious meals
- Social media content that promotes healthier shopping habits
These promotions and educational resources help parents make informed choices and stretch their budgets while keeping meals both tasty and nutritious.
Is the Tesco Free Fruit Scheme Making a Real Difference?
While simple on the surface, the Free Fruit for Kids scheme has had a measurable and lasting impact. By encouraging positive habits during routine shopping trips, Tesco is influencing how children think about food from an early age.
The scheme contributes by:
- Introducing children to new fruits in a safe, fun environment
- Creating healthy moments during family routines
- Offering cost-saving benefits that resonate with families
Feedback from communities has been positive, and Tesco’s year-long consultation with the British Nutrition Foundation revealed that inspiration and confidence were major hurdles to healthy eating, exactly the barriers this scheme is helping to address.
Can a Free Apple Make a Big Impact?
It might seem small, but offering a free apple to a child can be the start of a significant shift in how families approach nutrition. The Tesco Free Fruit scheme turns a simple trip to the shop into an opportunity to learn, taste, and grow.
By connecting children with healthy foods in a practical way, Tesco leads by example, showing that large organisations can and should take action for public health. Each apple represents a moment of change, encouraging better habits and supporting families in making smarter food choices. It’s a simple gesture with powerful implications.
Conclusion
Tesco’s Free Fruit for Kids initiative is more than a seasonal campaign; it’s a thoughtful investment in the health of future generations. With millions of British-grown apples distributed at no cost to families, Tesco is not only making a public statement but also making a real difference.
By integrating this programme into a broader health and affordability campaign, the supermarket ensures long-term value and impact for customers across the UK. Healthy choices begin with accessible options, and Tesco is paving the way for a healthier, better-fed nation.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Tesco free fruit scheme?
The scheme is available to all children shopping in-store with an adult. No purchase is necessary to receive the free fruit.
Can I get free fruit through Tesco Click & Collect?
Yes, the scheme includes 119 Tesco Click & Collect locations, where children can receive free apples during the collection process.
Does Tesco plan to expand the scheme beyond January 2026?
Currently, the scheme is scheduled for two weeks, but Tesco may relaunch it again based on its success and customer feedback.
What other supermarkets offer free or discounted fruit for kids?
While Tesco leads this initiative, other supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi have previously trialled similar schemes, but none as consistent as Tesco.
Can older children or teenagers get free fruit at Tesco?
The scheme is designed for children, though Tesco does not specify an age limit. The focus is on promoting healthy eating for younger age groups.
Why did Tesco choose apples for this campaign?
Apples are portable, nutritious, and widely enjoyed by children, making them an ideal choice for in-store distribution.
How does Tesco ensure the fruit is fresh and safe for children?
Tesco works with six trusted UK suppliers to provide fresh, high-quality apples that meet food safety and nutritional standards.
