In a significant shift for British lunch habits, the energy drink Red Bull has dethroned Coca-Cola as the most popular beverage choice in Tesco's iconic meal deal. The change was revealed in the supermarket's annual Clubcard Unpacked report, released on Thursday, 8 January 2026.
National Favourites Hold Steady
While the drink category saw a major change, the nation's choice for main and snack remained consistent. The Chicken Club Sandwich continues its reign as the favourite main item, a title it has held for some time. Similarly, the Protein Egg Pot secured its position as the preferred snack for a second year running, highlighting a continued consumer focus on protein-rich options.
A Tapestry of Regional Tastes
The report provides a fascinating snapshot of the United Kingdom's diverse culinary preferences, showing stark regional variations. When it comes to sandwich choices, the Just Ham Sandwich proved particularly popular in Scotland, Wales, and the North West of England. Meanwhile, customers in Yorkshire and the Humber showed a stronger preference for the Smoked Ham and Mature Cheddar sub.
Snack tastes also diverged across the country. Shoppers in the East of England and the South West gravitated towards Hula Hoops BBQ Beef Big Hoops, while those in Scotland and Wales opted for McCoy’s crisps as their go-to side.
Local Leaders and London's Quirk
Despite Red Bull's overall victory, Coca-Cola managed to retain its crown in specific regions, remaining the top drink in Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. In Northern Ireland, Pepsi Max emerged as the local favourite. The capital city presented a unique data point: London was the only region where bananas were the most purchased Clubcard item, contrasting with the rest of the country where milk held that title.
This detailed breakdown from Tesco's loyalty card data not only tracks changing consumer tastes but also underscores how national trends are often a composite of strong local preferences, from sandwich fillings to crisp flavours and soft drinks.
