Sales of fish, vegetables and other so-called “brain foods” have risen in recent weeks as students seek ways to do better in exams.


UK supermarket Tesco said sales of tuna, cod, plaice and mackerel increased 34% in recent weeks in towns with large student populations. Sales of broccoli, asparagus, spinach and vitamin supplements also increased.


“There’s a growing belief that exam success can, quite literally, be served up on a plate,” Tesco’s fresh produce director, Steve Murrells, was quoted by BBC News Online as saying.


“Students now prepare for their studying in the same way that athletes prepare for their races.


“They are now using a good diet as well as intensive study to help boost performance during this critical time in their academic lives.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The rise in fish sales was largest in university towns such as Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh and Oxford.


Fish contains dimethylamino-ethanol, a nutrient which is believed to aid memory.