Tesco has extended its Kids Eat Free scheme to include weekends throughout the summer, with the promotion now running until September 1, 2026. The initiative, which began on June 25, aims to support families facing tight budgets during the school holidays.
How the Scheme Works
The offer is available in over 330 participating Tesco Cafés and Coffee Shops, seven days a week. Customers can redeem one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast, or Kids Pick 'n' Mix deal when purchasing any full-price adult item and scanning their Tesco Clubcard. Notably, the adult purchase does not need to be a full meal; even a single apple costing 65 pence qualifies. There is no limit to the number of kids' meals that can be redeemed per transaction, though availability may vary by location.
Menu Options and Conditions
Popular kids' menu items include Egg & Soldiers, Beans & Soldiers, and Pancakes for breakfast, as well as hot main meals such as Omega 3 Fish Fingers, Baked Chicken Strips, and Pork Sausages. In some Cafés, only the Kids' Pick 'N' Mix Deal may be available, which includes one sandwich, one drink, one fruit item, and a choice of two snacks. The offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other promotions.
Government Support and Additional Savings
Tesco has also reduced the full prices of children’s meals in its Cafés and Coffee Shops for the summer, supported by the UK Government's decision to cut VAT on children's meals, activities, and days out as part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative.
“We know that household budgets can be really stretched, especially over the long summer holiday, so offering free meals to children during this time is just one of the ways we can support families,” said Claire De Silva, head of communities at Tesco.
Free Fruit for Kids Programme
Additionally, Tesco has announced the return of its Free Fruit for Kids programme from July 20 to August 30, 2026. Children can pick up free apples at checkouts in more than 800 large Tesco stores and 77 large Express stores, while Click & Collect customers will also receive free apples for their children at selected locations.
Since its launch in 2024, the scheme has donated 15.7 million portions of fruit and veg to schools, with over 500 schools receiving free fruit and vegetables this year to help pupils meet their 5-a-day target.
Clubcard Rewards and Entertainment
Tesco is also helping families keep children entertained during the holidays by allowing Clubcard holders to exchange vouchers with Reward Partners such as PizzaExpress and Cineworld.
