With the news that Tesco has made fruit a meal deal main, similar to what Sainsbury’s did with yoghurts, people have flocked to social media to express their horror
Usually a supermarket meal deal consists of a sandwich, wrap or pasta, follow by a snack and a drink, something to really fill you up, but Tesco shoppers have been left mortified after they’ve noticed fruit is classed as a main.
Outraged consumers have taken to social media to share their horror that fruit is not just a snack to Tesco, and is thought to be enough to fill you up. Many have also expressed concern that offering 230g and 300g fruit pots as a main could lead to disordered eating. The news also comes as Sainsbury’s similarly began offering yoghurts as a meal deal main.
Tom Quinn, director of external affairs at Beat Eating Disorders, said: “We’re concerned that advertising fruit as a main meal could encourage people who are unwell to limit their food intake, which could worsen harmful behaviours and thoughts.” He also said that supermarkets should “urgently remove any practices that would cause harm”.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, people were not happy with the decision. “Fruit as a main is scandalous”, one man fumed, and another agreed, saying: “The way I tried getting a fruit pot as my snack in a Tesco meal deal and was confused as to why the price was like a fiver til I looked at the lid of it and it said main meal.” Speaking about Sainsbury’s choice to make yoghurts mains, someone said: “Who would class that as a main though?”
“Ridiculous…I rarely even pick fruit as the snack let alone the main wtf”, an X user raged, and one woman called the supermarket out on social media, writing: “@Tesco can you help? Is the below a new product or incorrectly labelled? Are Tesco saying that 230gm of fruit is a ‘main’ in the meal deal?”
Another did the same thing, penning: “@Tesco very misleading information in your Broomhill store. Purchased a meal deal with a sandwich, drink and pot of fruit to be told the fruit is classed as a main! Even though there was a big sticker in front of it saying ‘£3.40 meal deal.’ Set me back over £6.”
The Mirror has contacted Tesco for comment.
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, please contact your GP, or seek specialist eating disorder support. Help is available from Beat. If you’re in England, call 0808 801 0677. If you’re in Scotland, call 0808 801 0432. If you’re in Wales, call 0808 801 0433. If you’re in Northern Ireland, call 0808 801 0434. You can text 27/7 for support too. Text SHOUT to 85258. You can also use their web chat service, or send an email. If you are in need of urgent help or medical advice for yourself or someone else please contact 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
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