I went to Tesco to find supermarket deals being banned in Wales and the scale of the problem is staggering – Shaurya Shaurya – Wales Online
Supermarkets are an essential part of most people’s day-to-day lives, providing everything from clothes to food. However, changes are on the horizon as new Welsh Government rules will prohibit deals like “buy-one-get-one free” or “three for two” on high-fat, salt, or sugar items from 2026. These deals have become a common sight in Welsh supermarkets, enticing shoppers with the promise of more for less, often leading to unnecessary purchases.
Multi-buy schemes are a major part of supermarket shopping, offering tempting deals that are hard to resist. To investigate the prevalence of these offers, I visited the Tesco Superstore in Swansea to see firsthand how these promotions are displayed and their impact on consumer choices.
One striking observation was that multi-buy deals are not always clearly labelled. For instance, assortment packs may contain smaller packs of a product within a larger pack, making it challenging to find and purchase individual items separately. Additionally, smaller packs often come at a higher price than when bought as part of a larger assortment, influencing consumer spending habits.
Special offers are commonly found on products with high sugar or fat content, such as fizzy drinks, crisps, and alcoholic beverages. These deals can encourage customers to buy larger quantities of unhealthy items, potentially leading to overconsumption and health issues in the long run.
Meal deals, offering bundled discounts on sandwiches, drinks, and snacks, further exemplify the allure of “buy-one-get-one free” promotions. Despite the intention to provide value to consumers, these deals can sometimes push individuals to purchase more than they originally intended, compromising health goals.
The Welsh Government’s forthcoming regulations aim to address these issues by promoting healthier food choices and reducing the visibility of high-fat, salt, or sugar products in supermarkets. While the ban on certain multi-buy deals may help curb overconsumption, individuals must also make conscious decisions to opt for healthier and budget-friendly options during grocery shopping.
Concerns have been raised about the affordability of healthy foods, with reports highlighting the cost disparity between nutritious and unhealthy products. This dilemma poses a challenge for families, especially those facing financial constraints, as they strive to balance health considerations with budget limitations.
As the ban on certain supermarket deals looms in 2026, the impact on consumer behaviour and public health remains to be seen. While these changes may nudge shoppers towards healthier choices, they also underscore the ongoing dialogue around accessibility, affordability, and individual responsibility in shaping dietary habits.
In conclusion, the transition towards healthier food policies in Wales signifies a step towards promoting public health and combating obesity. By reshaping the retail landscape to prioritise nutritious options and discourage excessive consumption of unhealthy foods, these regulations aim to foster a healthier society for all.