United Kingdom-based Tesco PLC has a new line of value-added fresh vegetables targeted toward getting children to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
The line starts with butternut squash cut into stars, with other shapes, including sweet potato smiley faces, in development.
“We want to give parents a helping hand with encouraging their kids to eat more vegetables,” said Elizabeth Hall, Tesco vegetable buyer, in a news release. “We’ve taken away a lot of the hassle of preparing vegetables like butternut squash, which might deter busy cooks at home, whilst also making them more appealing for children.”
The company also says the stars help avoid edible food being wasted, according to the release.
“We work with our growers and suppliers to make sure we use as much of their crops as possible to prevent food waste,” Hall said, in the release. “Besides these stars, butternut is used to make our carb alternatives such as fusilli, spaghetti, lasagna sheets, as well as wedges and soups.”
Tesco plans to launch the stars in 200 stores in the UK, at the equivalent of $1.99 for a half pound package.