Tesco is making everyday foods healthier, without compromising on taste or value
We all want to eat well, but advice on eating more fruit, veg and fibre and cutting back on sugar, fat and salt can sometimes feel overwhelming – especially when it sounds like giving up your favourite foods and meals.
But healthy doesn’t have to mean boring, and with this in mind, Tesco’s buying and product development teams are working hard behind the scenes to make the products millions of customers buy every week a little bit healthier, without compromising on taste or enjoyment.
Making own-brand products a little bit healthier
This commitment includes changing and adapting recipes as closely as possible to how they would be made at home. “Wherever we can, we’re making sure the products we sell only contain ingredients our customers would find in their own kitchen cupboards,” explains Tesco nutritionist, Laura Farrell.
“We’re putting more fruit, vegetables and fibre in our products to make them more nutritious, while reducing salt, sugar and fat. As a result of that work, more than half of our own-brand ready meals now contain at least one of your 5-a-day.”
Helping make health part of the everyday
In this busy world, our health priorities are constantly changing. “We know customers are looking for products that support their wellbeing in ways that feel realistic and easy to fit into everyday life,” Laura adds.
“As a result, we’re focused on giving customers more choice, with specialist ranges that support different nutritional needs, from gut health to key life stages like menopause.”
Back in 2021, Tesco set a target to ensure 65% of its food sales were healthy, and last year, thanks to the improvements it’s been making, this ambition has been achieved.
But they’re not stopping there. “We’re focused on continuing that progress and helping customers to find products that support their individual health goals,” confirms Laura.
What’s next?
When it comes to nutrition, we could all do with a little extra support, so Tesco’s new specialist product ranges are designed to help customers get more of the nutrients they might be lacking.
“Fibre is one area of focus for us, as we know most people in the UK aren’t getting enough in their diet,” says Laura.
“Since 2015, the average fibre content across our own-brand products has increased by 14%. Alongside that, by adding more fruit, veg and nutrients into our products, and developing new own-brand ranges, we’re helping customers to get more protein and fibre from the foods they already enjoy with tasty, affordable options.”
Nutrient boosts
By adding fruit and vegetables, and increasing fibre, the favourites you know and love can be made a little bit healthier, whilst tasting just as good – or even better.
Wholesome ingredients
Forget long lists of additives – the Tesco team is simplifying ingredients as much as possible, mirroring the way customers would make meals from scratch at home.
Less of what you don’t need
Dedicated product development teams are constantly working to reformulate Tesco’s own-brand products to reduce salt, saturated fat and sugar.
Supporting diverse health needs
By developing specialist ranges for key life stages and specific health needs, Tesco is making it easier for customers to find the right support for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Targeted nutrition, designed for you
New specialist ranges including Tesco Gut Sense and Tesco High Protein help customers choose great-tasing foods with targeted benefits.
