In a viral social media moment that's left Brits appreciating their lunchtime staples and Americans questioning their grocery bills, an American expat living in the UK has revealed her sheer astonishment at the legendary British meal deal.
The TikTok Revelation That Divided the Atlantic
The foodie sensation began when TikTok user @carolineelizabetht, who documents her British experiences for over 67,000 followers, shared her disbelief at securing a complete lunch for just £3.90. Her Tesco haul included a prawn sandwich, Walkers crisps, and a Tropicana orange juice - a combination she claimed would set her back a staggering $25 in the United States.
"This is the most British thing I've ever done," she exclaimed in the video that's since amassed thousands of comments from equally shocked viewers.
Why Britain's Meal Deal Culture Is the Envy of Expats
The traditional UK meal deal, available at most major supermarkets including Tesco, Boots, and Co-op, typically allows customers to choose a main item (sandwich, salad, or pasta), a snack (crisps, fruit, or chocolate), and a drink for a fixed price usually between £3-£4.
What makes Caroline's discovery particularly noteworthy is the timing. As Britain grapples with its own cost of living crisis and meal deal prices have crept upward from their previous £3 threshold, the concept remains virtually unheard of in American retail.
Social Media Erupts in Transatlantic Debate
The comments section became a battleground of culinary economics, with one user summing up the British perspective perfectly: "We might not have many things but we have meal deals and for that I am grateful."
Another comment highlighted the quality aspect, noting: "The fact you got Tropicana and a decent sandwich as well, that's a top-tier meal deal."
Meanwhile, American viewers expressed both disbelief and envy, with many questioning how such pricing was possible and others sharing their own experiences of price shock when moving between the two countries.
The Secret Behind Britain's Beloved Lunch Tradition
Several factors contribute to the meal deal's success in the UK:
- Volume purchasing power from major supermarket chains
- Strategic loss-leading to drive footfall
- British lunch culture that prioritizes quick, affordable midday meals
- Competition between supermarkets and convenience stores
As Caroline continues to document her British culinary adventures, her meal deal discovery serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary finds are in the most ordinary places - and that value is truly in the eye of the beholder, or in this case, the hungry expat.
