In a bid to further reduce food waste and align with its net-zero objectives, Tesco has launched a new initiative allowing customers to obtain free food items nearing their expiration dates.
This trial is currently underway in select Tesco Express stores, where shoppers visiting after 9:30 pm can take home products labeled “Reduced to Clear” at no cost.
Traditionally, Tesco applied discounts of up to 90% on items approaching their sell-by dates. With this new approach, any remaining unsold food close to closing time will be available for free, aiming to minimise waste and ensure that edible food is consumed rather than discarded.
This initiative complements Tesco’s ongoing efforts to combat food waste.
The supermarket has longstanding partnerships with organisations like FareShare and Olio to redistribute surplus food to charities and community groups. Since 2009, Tesco has ensured that no food waste from its UK and Ireland stores is sent directly to landfill.
A Tesco spokesperson commented on the trial, stating:
“We are constantly looking for innovative new ways to reduce food waste. In all our stores, we offer unsold surplus food to charities and community groups, donating millions of meals each month. This trial, in a small number of our Express stores, will allow customers to take any remaining yellow-stickered items for free at the end of the day, after they have first been offered to charities and colleagues.”
This move comes amid increasing consumer demand for discounted food options, with many shoppers seeking ways to save on groceries during challenging economic times.
By offering free items that would otherwise go to waste, Tesco aims to support both environmental sustainability and customer affordability.
