Tuck shop

A tuck shop is a small shop, often located within a school, workplace, or other institution, that sells a variety of confectionery, snacks, stationery, and small items. The term is most commonly used in British English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Tuck shops traditionally offer a range of affordable goods catering to the needs and desires of their primary clientele. Common items include sweets (candy), chocolate bars, crisps (potato chips), biscuits (cookies), soft drinks, and sometimes healthier options like fruit. In schools, tuck shops might also sell school supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and erasers. Workplace tuck shops might offer similar items, alongside things like newspapers and magazines.

The origins of the term "tuck shop" are debated, but "tuck" has been used in British English since the 18th century to refer to food, especially sweets and snacks. The phrase likely originated in boarding schools where students would purchase "tuck" to supplement their meals.

While the presence of tuck shops, especially in schools, has been a subject of debate due to concerns about promoting unhealthy eating habits, many institutions have attempted to adapt them by offering healthier alternatives and limiting the availability of sugary or processed items. Alternatives such as tuck shops selling only fruit and health food have been established.

In some regions, similar establishments may be known by different names, such as a canteen or a snack bar, though these terms often imply a wider range of offerings, including hot meals. The defining feature of a tuck shop remains its focus on small, readily available, and relatively inexpensive items.