Tesco has confirmed a significant price hike for its immensely popular Meal Deal, marking the end of a three-year price freeze. The cost of the lunchtime staple will rise by 40p, moving from £3.50 to £3.90 for the classic sandwich, snack, and drink combination.
The supermarket giant, which is the UK's largest retailer, attributed the decision to 'rising costs' across its supply chain. A Tesco spokesperson stated, "We have been committed to providing great value for customers throughout the cost-of-living crisis, and we've held the price of our Tesco Meal Deal at £3.50 since April 2021.
"Like other retailers, we are facing increased costs across our supply chain and have taken the decision to increase the price of our Meal Deal to £3.90."
What's Included in the New £3.90 Deal?
The new price still offers customers a substantial saving. Shoppers can continue to mix and match a main item (such as a sandwich, pasta pot, or salad), a snack (like crisps or a chocolate bar), and a drink (including soft drinks and water) from a vast selection of products.
The Meal Deal has long been a fiercely competitive battleground among UK supermarkets, with Tesco, Boots, Morrisons, and Co-op all vying for the lunchtime spend of millions of customers.
Customer Reaction and Market Context
This increase is likely to be felt by millions of Britons who rely on the deal for an affordable lunch. The move comes amidst a broader context of ongoing food price inflation, though recent figures suggest the rate of increase is beginning to slow.
While the price has risen, Tesco was quick to emphasise its continued commitment to value, highlighting that the deal still represents a significant discount compared to buying each item individually.
