Vegetable receives an unexpected boost after hack shows quick way to prepare a healthy meal
A popular TikTok hack has helped supercharge sales of the humble swede, according to Tesco.
The retro veg side dish has unexpectedly come back into fashion after TikTokers showed off a trend to wash and then prepare swede in the microwave in 15 minutes, without even having to peel it.
The result is fluffy, mashed swede, which resembles a jacket potato and is said to be delicious mixed with a little butter and black pepper.
Swede is now being pitched as a healthy lower-carb jacket potato alternative as it ditches its reputation for being time consuming to peel and boil.
Sales on the rise
Swede sales are subsequently up 23 per cent this year at Tesco, with influencers credited with convincing people to give the old-school root veg a try. The supermarket promoted swedes in its ‘Festive 5’ discounted vegetables for Christmas last year and sales have been rising ever since.
Shoppers have returned to the swede as they embrace its attributes as a healthy lower-carb and high-fibre option, which is also seen as great value for money at just 63p for a 400g vegetable.
Tesco’s swedes are supplied by producers in Scotland, including family firm Stewarts of Tayside, based near Perth. “Swedes really tick a lot of boxes in terms of being healthy and budget friendly, so it’s fantastic customers are discovering this and that Tesco sales have grown so much this year,” said Lindsay Chree, sales manager at Stewarts.
Lucy Moss, Tesco buying manager for fresh produce, added: “More customers have been discovering the great value and health benefits of the humble swede this year, and tips to make them easy and convenient to prepare have helped to boost sales.
“We championed the swede at Christmas and also at Easter and found that sales have continued to rise once shoppers have realised how well they work as part of a roast dinner or as a healthy substitute for potatoes.”
