Tesco Clubcard change could mean 'warning' at the till

More than 22 million households are currently signed up to Tesco's Clubcard scheme, which launched in 1995

Tesco could use shoppers' Clubcard data to warn them when their baskets are becoming unhealthy, the grocer's chief executive has said. Ken Murphy said artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to monitor how customers were shopping to help "nudge" them into healthier choices.

Speaking at the FT Future of Retail Conference on Tuesday, he said: "I can see it nudging you over time, saying: 'I've noticed over time in your shopping basket that your sodium salt content is 250% of your daily recommended allowance. I would recommend you substitute this, this and this."'

He said: "It can help to bring your shopping bill down, reduce waste and improve the outcome and the power of that Clubcard," adding that AI "will completely revolutionise how customers interact with retailers".

This could mean telling customers they should wait a week to stock up on products if Tesco had an offer coming up that could make their shop cheaper. Mr Murphy said the aim was for customers to feel that "Clubcard is literally doing their job for them and making their lives easier".

He said this was "very simple stuff" which could "really improve people's daily lives". Tesco has said it does not "sell or share any individual customer data and we take our responsibilities regarding the use of customer data extremely seriously".

It stressed it was not currently looking at rolling out a "nudge" policy. Tesco is Britain's largest supermarket, and more than 22 million households are currently signed up to its Clubcard scheme, which launched in 1995 and gives customers access to lower prices.