Tesco Free Fruit for Kids 2026: Dates, Rules & Store List
Keeping the kids entertained—and fed—during the weekly shop is a challenge every parent knows well. You reach aisle three, the snacks appear, and suddenly the trolley is full of biscuits you didn’t plan to buy.
But if you are heading to Tesco this New Year, you have a healthier tool in your arsenal.
Current government data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (June 2025) reveals a worrying trend: less than 10% of UK children are actually hitting their recommended “5-a-day” target. In response, Tesco has officially relaunched its popular Tesco Free Fruit for Kids scheme today, 30 December 2025.
Whether you are a regular shopper or just looking to save a few pounds this January, this guide covers everything you need to know. We break down the 2026 dates, exactly which stores participate, and the new rules for collecting free apples at Click & Collect points.
Key Dates: When is Tesco Free Fruit for Kids Running in 2026?
The most common question parents ask is simply: Is the scheme on right now?
The answer is yes. Tesco has confirmed that its “Less to Pay for 5-a-Day” campaign is active immediately. However, unlike the permanent fixtures of the past, this specific promotional push has a set window to kickstart healthy habits for the New Year.
Here are the confirmed dates you need to mark in your calendar:
| Event Phase | Start Date | End Date | Status |
| New Year Kickstart | Tuesday, 30 Dec 2025 | Tuesday, 13 Jan 2026 | ACTIVE NOW |
| School Term 2 | Late Jan 2026 | TBC | Upcoming |
Why the two-week window?
While many large Tesco stores keep fruit kiosks year-round, this specific 30 Dec – 13 Jan period is a reinforced campaign. During these two weeks, stock levels for free fruit are significantly increased to match the “New Year, New You” health drive. Tesco anticipates giving away over one million pieces of fruit in this fortnight alone.
My Advice: Don’t wait until the last day. The first week of January is usually the best time to find full kiosks as stores restock heavily after the Christmas rush.
How it Works: Rules, Age Limits & Selection
If you haven’t used the scheme before, it feels almost too good to be true. You simply walk in, take an apple, and give it to your child. No scanning, no weighing.
But there are a few rules to ensure there is enough to go around for everyone.
The Age Limit
Tesco states the scheme is designed for “school-aged children.” In practice, this typically means children under 16. However, staff are generally very relaxed about this. If you have a toddler in the trolley seat who wants an apple, they are absolutely welcome to have one. The goal is to encourage healthy eating, not to police birth certificates at the door.
What Fruit is Available?
For this 2026 campaign, the focus is entirely on British-grown apples.
Tesco has partnered with six major UK suppliers to source these apples, including varieties like Gala and Braeburn. These are chosen specifically because they are durable, easy for kids to hold, and don’t require peeling.
While you might occasionally see pears or bananas in some stores depending on local stock, apples are the guaranteed item for this January phase.
No Purchase Necessary
This is a crucial point for families on a tight budget. You do not need to buy anything to access the free fruit. You don’t need to spend a minimum amount or show a receipt. If you are just popping in to check prices or browse, your child is still eligible for a snack.
Consumer Pro-Tip:
Can’t find the kiosk? They are distinctive brown cardboard stands, usually branded with the “Free Fruit for Kids” logo.
Superstores: Look near the produce section entrance.
Extras: often placed near the customer service desk or the pharmacy entrance.
If the box is empty: Do not just walk away! Find a staff member in the produce aisle. They often keep a crate of “top-up” apples in the back specifically for refilling these kiosks and will happily hand one over if you ask politely.
Participating Store Locations: Where to Find the Kiosk
Not every Tesco carries the free fruit. Knowing the difference between store types will save you a wasted trip and a disappointed child.
Large Stores vs. Express
The general rule of thumb is size. The scheme runs in over 800 larger stores across the UK.
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Tesco Extra & Tesco Superstores: YES. These almost always participate.
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Tesco Express: NO. These smaller convenience stores do not have the floor space or the stock rotation to manage the free fruit kiosks.
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Tesco Metro: VARIES. Some larger Metro stores in city centres may participate, but it is hit-and-miss.
NEW for 2026: Click & Collect Inclusion
This is the biggest update for parents this year. Previously, if you did your shopping online to avoid the in-store chaos, you missed out on the free fruit.
As of December 2025, Tesco has rolled out the scheme to 119 designated Click & Collect locations.
How to claim it at Click & Collect:
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Drive to the collection bay.
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When the colleague brings your crates to the car, mention the “Free Fruit for Kids” offer.
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They will provide the apples directly from their designated stock.
This is a massive win for parents of young children who find dragging them around a Superstore too stressful but still want them to benefit from a healthy snack.
Maximising Your Shop: Clubcard Challenges & “Fresh 5” Offers
The free fruit is great, but it’s one apple. To really make a dent in your grocery bill and your family’s health, you need to combine it with other offers running right now.
The January 12 Clubcard Update
Starting 12 January 2026, just as the free fruit promotional window closes, Tesco is launching a new wave of Clubcard Challenges.
If you use the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app, you will see personalised challenges. A common one for families is “Buy 5 different fruit or veg items to earn 50 extra points.” The free fruit doesn’t count towards this (since you aren’t buying it), but it keeps the kids happy while you hunt for the qualifying items.
Don’t Ignore the “Fresh 5”
While you are picking up the free apple, look immediately next to the kiosk. Tesco runs a bi-weekly “Fresh 5” offer where five packages of fruit or veg are discounted, often to prices like 49p or 69p.
Current Fresh 5 Contenders (Dec/Jan):
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Broccoli
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Easy-peeler oranges
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Carrots
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Cauliflower
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Pears
Combining the free snack for now with cheap veg for dinner is the smartest way to navigate the store during the cost-of-living squeeze.
Store Scheme vs. “Fruit & Veg for Schools” Programme
There is some confusion online between the free apples in-store and the news about free fruit in schools. It is important to know these are two different things.
1. The In-Store Scheme (This Guide):
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For: Any child shopping with parents.
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Where: Tesco Superstores/Extras.
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What: A snack to eat now.
2. The “Fruit & Veg for Schools” Programme:
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For: Pupils in participating schools.
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Where: Inside the classroom.
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What: A £4 million initiative running through the 2025/2026 academic year.
This school programme, developed with the British Nutrition Foundation, provides funding for up to 140,000 pupils in 500 schools. It targets areas with higher free school meal ratios. If your child’s school is part of this, they will receive fresh fruit daily in class. This is separate from, and in addition to, the apple they can get while shopping with you on Saturday.
FAQs
Is Tesco free fruit for kids still running?
Yes. The scheme is currently active and has been reinforced for the period of 30 December 2025 to 13 January 2026.
Can I get free fruit at Tesco Express?
Generally, no. Tesco Express stores are too small to host the kiosks. You need to visit a Superstore or Extra.
What fruit is included in the Tesco free fruit scheme?
For the start of 2026, the fruit is almost exclusively British apples. Pears and bananas may appear in select stores, but apples are the standard.
Do I need a Clubcard to get free fruit for my kids?
No. The free fruit kiosk is open to everyone, regardless of whether you have a Clubcard.
How many pieces of fruit can each child have?
The rule is “one piece per child.” This ensures there is enough stock for everyone visiting the store that day.
Are there bananas in the Tesco free fruit kiosks?
While bananas were common in previous years, the current push focuses on British apples to support UK growers. Don’t be surprised if you only see apples this month.
What should I do if the free fruit kiosk is empty?
Ask a staff member! The produce team usually has stock ready to refill the stands. They are often busy and might not notice it is empty until a customer points it out.
Conclusion
The Tesco Free Fruit for Kids scheme remains one of the few genuinely “no strings attached” offers left on the high street. In a time when food prices remain high, being able to hand your child a healthy, free snack without scanning a coupon or spending a penny is a small but meaningful win for parents.
Key Takeaways:
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Go Now: The current promotional push runs from 30 Dec 2025 – 13 Jan 2026.
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Go Big: Visit Tesco Extra or Superstores; skip the Express shops.
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Go Online: Don’t forget to ask for your fruit if you are using Click & Collect.
The next time you are dreading the “big shop” with the little ones, remember to look for the brown kiosk. It might just buy you ten minutes of peace and quiet.
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