Tesco Reveals Ireland's Sushi Eating Habits this World Sushi Day

Whether eaten with chopsticks, a fork or by hand, Ireland’s appetite for sushi continues to grow. To celebrate World Sushi Day today, new research from Tesco Ireland shows supermarkets are now a key destination for sushi, with 37% of shoppers buying in-store compared to 32% in restaurants. 

How Ireland is Eating Sushi 

Freshness is a non-negotiable for Irish shoppers, with more than half (54%) ranking it as their top priority when choosing sushi. This is reflected in behaviour, with supermarkets now slightly overtaking restaurants as the preferred place to buy sushi, highlighting strong demand for convenient, high-quality options. 

When it comes to how sushi is eaten, habits vary across generations. While chopsticks remain popular among those aged 18-44, more than half of over 45s (56%) opt for a fork or eat sushi by hand, with just 16% using chopsticks. 

Classic rolls continue to lead the way, with 28% choosing favourites such as California rolls, spicy tuna or chicken katsu. Udon dishes (17%) and gyoza (15%) also rank highly. 

Most prefer a lighter touch when it comes to soy sauce, with 60% opting for a light dip, while 21% go all in and 19% skip it altogether. 

From restaurant menus to supermarket shelves, sushi is firmly part of Irish shopping habits and demand continues to grow. 

New YO! Sushi prepacked range (available in 42 stores nationwide): 

The range is priced at €6. 

• YO! Chicken & Sweet Pepper Poke 

• YO! Rainbow Salmon Poke 

• YO! Crispy Salmon Dragon Rolls 

• YO! Spicy Prawn Dragon Rolls 

• YO! Chicken Katsu Dragon Rolls 

• YO! Veggie Selection 

Recognising this growing demand, Tesco first partnered with YO! Sushi in Ireland in 2025 and has been steadily expanding its presence in stores nationwide since. There are now 19 YO! Sushi kiosks in Tesco stores nationwide, featuring dedicated YO! Sushi counters offering freshly made items. 

Tesco Grows Sushi Offering as Demand Continues to Rise 

Tesco has also just introduced a new range of prepacked YO! Sushi products in an additional 42 stores, bringing the YO! Sushi experience to even more customers. The new range includes a mix of poke bowls and classic rolls, designed to offer more choice and convenience whether shopping for lunch, dinner or food on the move. 

Recognising growing demand, Tesco expanded its pan-Asian range last summer, including at-home sushi kits, with sales increasing by 20%. The range includes at-home sushi essentials, such as sushi rice, bamboo rolling mats and wasabi. Customers can also avail of sushi as part of the customer favourite Tesco Meal Deal, with Oishii Sushi options including Chicken Katsu Sushi and the Tokyo Vegetarian Taster, priced at €4.75 with a drink and snack. 

John Brennan at Category Director, Fresh Food at Tesco Ireland said: “We’re seeing sushi become part of the everyday shop for more and more customers, rather than just an occasional treat. In response, we’ve continued to expand our overall range, from growing our YO! Sushi kiosks and introducing new ready-to-go options, to offering sushi as part of the Tesco Meal Deal and expanding our at-home kits and essentials, following strong demand last year. It’s all about making it easier for customers across Ireland to enjoy great quality sushi whenever it suits them.” 

YO! Sushi kiosks are available in 19 Tesco stores nationwide: 

Maynooth Extra, Dundrum Town Centre, Liffey Valley, Naas Extra, Drogheda Extra, Arthurs Quay, Jervis Street, Clarehall Extra, Bloomfields, Baggot Street Lower, Baggot Street Upper, Talbot Street Express, Wilton Square, Paul Street, Celbridge, Dundalk Stapleton Drive, Mahon, Oranmore and Merrion 

Customers can shop the new YO! Sushi range in participating Tesco stores nationwide and online at Tesco.ie.

Slán go fóill.