Tesco to remove sweets from its checkouts

Tesco is to remove sweets and chocolate from checkouts across the full range of its stores by the end of the year, in a bid to allow customers to make healthier choices.
Tesco sales have fallen sharplyTesco sales have fallen sharply
Tesco sales have fallen sharply

The move follows research by the supermarket giant that found nearly two thirds of customers said removing confectionery would help them with their waistlines. A spokesman said confectionery would also be removed from areas next to the tills – for example racks of sweets at children’s eye level next to checkout queues.

Tesco removed confectionery from larger stores 20 years ago but the most recent move will apply to all stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland including smaller Metro and Express outlets. It will trial a variety of healthier products at checkouts before implementing the full change by the end of December. Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke said: “We all know how easy it is to be tempted by sugary snacks at the checkout, and we want to help our customers lead healthier lives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ve already removed billions of calories from our soft drinks, sandwiches and ready meal ranges by changing the recipes to reduce their sugar, salt and fat content. And we will continue to look for opportunities to take out more.”

Katie O’Donovan, head of communications at parenting website Mumsnet, said: “Popping into a shop with a small child in tow can sometimes feel like navigating an assault course.

“If you’ve made it to the checkout it can be really frustrating to then be faced with an unhealthy array of sweets designed to tempt your child.”