Tesco, Britain’s biggest retailer, has always somewhat intimidated me. With 28 per cent of the grocery market share and more than 4,000 Tesco shops of one kind or another in the country, I’ve never quite felt it needs my custom. My local store is 120,000 sq ft, and as I’m not used to the layout, even though I go in every month or so, a shop there can feel more like an obstacle course than a trip to restock the fridge.
Nevertheless, I’ve been making more frequent visits recently and shopping with an open mind, looking for – and sometimes finding – unexpected products and discounts.
It’s easy to poke fun at Clubcard prices, but far harder to avoid them. Tesco shook up the loyalty card system when it launched two-tier pricing in 2019, offering huge reductions across such a wide range of products that every shopper might, eventually, feel compelled to join in.
I resisted for years but finally caved on a pre-Christmas booze deal. I’m still kind of annoyed about it but it makes no sense to shop in Tesco without a membership. Since then, most supermarkets have gone on to change their schemes and similarly penalise shoppers for refusing to hand over their data. Some loyalty.
Tesco is making a great effort to shift its image. Instead of being known as the largest supermarket with decent discounts, it wants to offer wider benefits. Chief executive Ken Murphy has set his sights on putting sustainability initiatives such as food waste front and centre, though the success has been mixed.
A daily pill to treat diabetes that helps with weight loss is on sale from today.
The UK is the first country in Europe to approve this medicine.
Who can get the pills?
- Pharmacies across the UK will stock Foundayo, made by Eli Lilly.
- It is only available privately, though it is being assessed for a potential NHS rollout.
- It is for type 2 diabetes patients and those with a BMI of above 30, or 27 with a weight-related condition.
- The pill is taken at various dosage levels once a day, at any time.
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Counterfeit warning
Pharmacists welcomed the launch as a step forward for people who are eligible but can’t use weight-loss injections.
They warned people against fake weight-loss pills and reminded them only to buy from licensed pharmacies.
The approval of Wegovy, the UK’s first weight-loss pill, sparked a spate of counterfeit pills.
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What to know about the head-on A66 crash that killed seven
Seven people died over the weekend after a police car crashed into another vehicle that was travelling the wrong way on a dual carriageway near Middlesbrough.
Families paid tribute to the victims, as police urged the public not to speculate on the crash. Here’s what we know.
No survivors
Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak, both 23, died when the Volkswagan Passat they were in collided with the police vehicle.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were also pronounced dead at the scene.
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Families pay tribute
The wife of PC Blades (R) said: “He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.”
The family of PC Clough (L) described him as “our hero” who was “always on public duty throughout his short life”.
On Monday morning, a fundraiser set up to support the two families had raised over £300,000.
How did the crash happen?
- Cleveland Police launched a chase after the Passat, believed to be using cloned plates, activated an ANPR camera.
- PC Blades and PC Clough were not involved in the chase but were called to the area.
- The pursuit took just under seven minutes and was called off seconds before the crash when the Passat began travelling the wrong way.
- Blades and Clough’s car was driving the right way.
Don’t speculate, police say
These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.
Whilst this investigation is ongoing… I would strongly urge people to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the families.”
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller
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Burnham makes first overseas trip as PM to Ukraine – what to know
The Prime Minister arrived in Kyiv this morning to mark Ukraine’s independence day.
He is promising to share with Ukraine classified information to help build long-range missiles.
Burnham pledges support
- Burnham said UK support “will not waver” and Russia should be “in no doubt of our resolve”.
- He will chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, the group that would send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
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What is Burnham giving Ukraine?
Burnham will allow defence firm MBDA to release classified information on UK components for the British-French SCALP long-range missile, also known as Storm Shadow.
The missile has already been supplied to Ukrainian forces, but releasing the secret technical information will allow Ukraine – with French support – to manufacture locally.
How has Russia responded?
Earlier this month, Russia’s Embassy in the UK warned of “consequences” following confirmation that British-made drones were used in Ukrainian strikes on Russia.
The embassy said the “deeper [the UK’s] involvement in the conflict… the higher price it will pay”.
President Vladimir Putin has also threatened Britain over seizing Russian “shadow fleet” tankers.
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How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps
The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel less stressed.
NHS GP dR RADHA
The science
Research has shown that feeling or expressing thanks can actually alter our brain.
- The balance of neurotransmitters change; more serotonin and dopamine (feel good chemicals) are produced.
- This can be long lasting if we make gratitude a regular habit.
- We also get a decrease in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels which helps lower anxiety.
- Being grateful can strengthen the nerve pathways which triggers positive emotion.
How can we build gratitude?
Change your words
Instead of seeing something as a problem, try to see the opportunities within it.
Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.
Express it
This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.
How can we build gratitude?
Notice more
Throughout your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?
The basics
By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy so that we can enjoy them.
What to do
Gratitude can lead to feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.
- Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don’t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it.
- Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day.
- Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day.
Sales of battery
electric vehicles hit a record high last year.
Starts at £22,995 for the smaller battery
Available with either a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.
The interior has been lavished with a level of detail that’s typically reserved for more expensive cars.
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A champion of EV efficiency
It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.
It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger.
Priced from £37,400
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It’s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.
The £89,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche’s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.
The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.
With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering £76,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.
It’s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion.
All of its gadgetry can’t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the ride is fussy at slower speeds and it’s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.
- While good value (prices start at £17,935) for the 200-mile max range, there are more interesting options from Hyundai, Citroen and Renault for similar money.
- It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps.
- There’s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash.
- Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds.
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The kitchen gadgets under £25
Victorinox paring knife
It’s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.
ProCook cast iron pan
For unbeatable searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice.
Tesco chopping board
Priced at just £22, I’ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Pyrex jug
It is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won’t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.
Salter scales
“I’ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I’m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.”
Microplane grater
It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike copycats simply can’t match.
Braun hand-held blender
It’s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce.
Bodum cafetiere
As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there’s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.
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The kitchen gadgets under £25
Oxo peeler
What truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.
Falcon pie dish
Made by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe.
The golden rules for a happy, secure relationship
Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, author of bestselling book , explains why we behave the way we do in love.
Golden rules for happy relationships
Start with your own behaviours
The foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable. All of these qualities can be enacted in small gestures every day.
Express your needs
People need consistency and connection to feel safe. This is not, ‘You hurt my feelings by never replying to me’, it’s more ‘this is the kind of contact that helps me feel secure’.
Golden rules for happy relationships
The appendix ‘inflammation’ rule
If a relationship repeatedly inflames your nervous system, you need to disengage and deprioritise it.
Lean on community
You don’t need hundreds of friends. You need people and places that regularly remind you that you belong.
Stop blaming childhood
Humans are much more complicated than: ‘this happened to you, therefore you are doomed to be anxious’.
Reach for a
secure script
When something unsettles you in a relationship, your first reaction is not always the most accurate one.
If you’re anxious, your brain may jump very quickly to: ‘this is the beginning of the end’. If you’re avoidant, your brain may say: ‘this person wants too much from me, I need to get away’. So one very practical thing you can always do is pause and ask: ‘What would a secure person do here?’
Loneliness elsewhere
When people talk about loneliness, they often assume it means you don’t have enough people in your life. But you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if those relationships leave you feeling excluded, ignored or disconnected.
What to do
- Build a community that works for your temperament and gives you regular, reliable moments of connection.
- You can still be kind to people while not treating them as someone who belongs in your inner circle.
- Explain what you need. Sometimes people simply don’t realise how you are experiencing them.
- Check in with people: does this person actually feel that I’m reliable? Do they experience me as predictable? That’s the only way that you can start to become more secure.
Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are…
Foods that leave you hungrier
A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice
More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.
Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.
Foods that leave you hungrier
These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.
Toast and jam
Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Vegetable soup
On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.
Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.
Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Snack bars
They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.
Low-fat yoghurt
A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.
On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.
What to eat instead
Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.
- Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.
- Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.
- Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.
- Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.
In May, the retailer announced that its efforts to cut food waste in half have been delayed until 2030. The original target of 2025 was missed after an audit of one of its external food waste processors revealed that the company was not directing the waste to animal feed as promised, but using it to generate energy. This meant that Tesco had to revise its figures.
According to the Mail on Sunday’s recent audit of boardroom pay, Tesco is the FTSE 100 company with the largest gap between the pay of a typical worker and the boss. It reported Murphy’s package last year was £10m, 420 times what his average employee takes home. I wonder if he uses a Clubcard.
Here are some of my recent Tesco finds:
Torchon ham
£3.50 for 200g
It’s no surprise that the “weekly shop” has a poor reputation. When most of us buy broadly the same items week in, week out, it can soon spiral into an activity of inescapable drudgery. But when I take the time to explore new shops instead of rushing around those I’m familiar with, I tend to go home more enthusiastic about the meals to come.
Sliced ham is one of those products other members of my family like to find in the fridge without fail and so much of it is alarmingly insipid. In Tesco, I found a whole aisle devoted to charcuterie and picked out the Torchon ham, £3.50 for 200g of thick juicy ham flavoured with its herb rub.
Perfect piled into soft bread or baguette with great butter.
Super size shop
A kilo of peanut butter from £5.50
With a family of three, I rarely need to super size the regular cupboard products that I buy, but I do buy peanut butter by the kilo tub and have five litre refill tubs of laundry and shower products delivered.
At Tesco I noticed great value prices on larger products, such as kilo jars of Nutella for £6.90, huge bottles of Rowse squeezy honey for £3.60 and Meridian peanut butter for £5.50.
Fine cider
From £3.20
Cider has shrugged off its reputation as a festival beverage and entered the more elevated field of fine dining. This sector of cider brands itself as “fine cider” and I’ve loved all those I’ve tried. With a lower ABV than wine, typically 5-8% and resembling a light, fruit-forward fizz or natural wine, fine cider makes a great aperitif and you can drink it through dinner, too.
If you’re looking for a new tipple, Tesco has some great bottles to start you off, from Showerings Triple Vintage cider, £3.75/375ml, from a Somerset family business that supplies Michelin-starred restaurants, to Aspall Premier Cru from the well-known Suffolk producer, £3.20/500ml. If you get the cider bug, try the Fine Cider Company for more variety.
Penguin biscuits
75p per pack
Impossible not to p-p-p-pick up a packet (or four) of Penguin biscuits when Tesco is selling them for only 75p for a pack of seven. This, of course, is one of the store’s fabled Clubcard prices, the source of many a meme as shoppers discuss the impossibility of doing a Tesco shop without a loyalty card.
Tesco Finest Barrel Aged Feta
£4.40/250g (£17.60/kg)
I was really impressed with this feta when I first tried it for a previous taste test. It manages to bring together all the hallmarks of a great feta by being tangy, fruity and creamy.
A tip for finding the better quality feta is to look for those preserved in brine in a plastic tub.
Tesco Finest Chicken Parmigiana pizza
£4.85/450g
I wrote about my pizza snobbiness during a recent taste test of supermarket pizzas, lowering my standards in the line of duty to gamely try the Tesco Finest Chicken Parmigiana pizza. The verdict? I didn’t hate it! In fact, I awarded it the same score, 3/5, as an M&S pizza, though they are very different styles.
“It looks and smells great,” I concluded, “with a lovely fresh-tasting tomato sauce, chewy crust, appetising soft puddles of mozzarella and mascarpone and a tasty garlic and Parmesan crumb.”
School uniform
I try to buy most school uniform on Vinted, a great source of new or barely-worn items. That said, I applaud Tesco for the handy widget installed on its uniform aisle to help parents shopping for a new term.
The smart device in question is a simple cardboard stand, illustrated with height measurements that are matched to Tesco sizing as well as a foot-measuring guide. Finding time to buy every last bit of uniform is one thing, having to return the wrong size is infuriating.
With its huge budgets and innovation department, Tesco can often jump on a food trend they think their customers will respond to. I’m always interested to see what Britain’s biggest supermarket dreams up and I’m looking forward to trying its new chocolate sourdough crumpets.
An ice cream sandwich will always win me over, and the recipe suggestion of shoving a Tesco Finest Double Cherry & Chocolate ice cream lolly into an almond croissant will take some beating.
Nonetheless, this month’s Japanese Fried Chicken crinkle cut crisps, tequila-pickled onions and frozen Nutella-filled donuts and muffins don’t do it for me.