Tesco has landed itself in hot water with customers after implementing a stealth price hike on its beloved Meal Deal, but only for those using a Clubcard.
The supermarket giant's famous £3.40 lunch deal, a staple for office workers and students alike, now costs a pound more for shoppers who haven't signed up for its loyalty scheme. However, in a move that has frustrated many, the price for Clubcard holders has also crept up from its long-standing £3 rate.
The New Meal Deal Maths
Previously, the deal was a flat £3 for everyone with a Clubcard. The new structure introduces a two-tier pricing system:
- With a Clubcard: £3.40 (a 40p increase)
- Without a Clubcard: £4.40 (a £1.40 increase on the old standard price)
This means that while Clubcard holders still get a discount compared to non-members, they are still paying significantly more than they were last week.
A Bitter Pill for Savvy Shoppers
The change represents a 13% increase for loyalty card members, a tough pill to swallow amidst a ongoing cost of living crisis. For regular purchasers, this adds up to an extra £2 per week or over £100 per year for those who buy one every working day.
The Meal Deal, which allows customers to pick a main item, a snack, and a drink, has long been hailed as one of the UK's best high street bargains. This price increase signals a major shift in its value proposition.
Tesco's Justification
While Tesco has not issued a formal statement regarding the specific increase, the move is likely a response to rising supplier costs and inflation. The two-tier pricing strategy aggressively incentivises Clubcard membership, giving Tesco valuable customer data in exchange for the perceived savings.
Whether customers will accept this new normal or simply take their lunch money elsewhere remains to be seen. For now, the price of a quick lunch has officially gone up.
