Tesco has confirmed another increase to the price of its popular Tesco meal deals, a staple lunchtime choice for millions of UK shoppers. Starting this week, the supermarket will charge £3.85 for Clubcard holders and £4.25 for those without. This is a 25p rise from the previous rate, making it the second price hike in just a year.
The move comes amid ongoing pressure on household budgets as food inflation, rent costs, and general living expenses continue to climb. Many shoppers who once relied on the Tesco meal deal as an affordable, convenient lunch are now questioning whether the value still holds up.
How Much Are Tesco Meal Deals Now?
Until now, Clubcard users paid £3.60 for the combo of a main, snack, and drink, while non-Clubcard customers were charged £3.90. With the rise to £3.85 and £4.25 respectively, some shoppers may feel the appeal of the deal slipping away.
A Tesco spokesperson defended the increase, saying the Tesco meal deal continues to offer “great value” with more than 20 million possible combinations available, ranging from traditional sandwiches to newer options like Korean-style chicken rolls.
However, consumer groups have noted that the cost of grabbing lunch on the go is steadily creeping higher across the industry.
How Do Tesco Meal Deals Compare to Rivals?
Tesco is not alone in raising prices. Sainsbury’s recently lifted its lunchtime offer to £3.95, while Morrisons charges £4 for its meal deal. The Co-op prices non-member deals at £4 but offers members a cheaper £3.50 option. Waitrose remains the most expensive, with its deal now at £5.
Asda, meanwhile, operates differently by offering a three-for-two promotion instead of a fixed Tesco meal deal-style price.
This means that, despite the increase, Tesco still remains on the cheaper side when compared with premium retailers like Waitrose. But the perception among customers is that the traditional “budget-friendly” lunch is becoming less accessible.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Living Costs
The latest price adjustment to the Tesco meal deal highlights a broader trend. According to the Office for National Statistics, the cost of essentials like rent and food continues to outpace both wages and overall inflation. With the average UK rent climbing nearly 6% year-on-year, many consumers are looking for savings wherever possible.
In this climate, small increases—even just 25p on a lunchtime staple—make a noticeable difference over time. For a daily commuter relying on a Tesco meal deal, the annual cost could rise by around £60 to £70 depending on how often they buy one.
Public Reaction
Reaction to the news has been mixed. Some shoppers accept the rise as inevitable given inflationary pressures, while others argue that the Tesco meal deal is losing its original appeal as a cost-effective solution for workers and students.
Social media users have voiced their frustration, with some pointing out that in just two years, the price for Clubcard holders has climbed from £3.40 to £3.85. For many, the gradual increases feel like “stealth inflation.”
Why Tesco Meal Deals Still Matter
Despite the backlash, the Tesco meal deal remains hugely popular. With millions sold each week, it has become more than just a lunchtime option—it’s part of the UK’s cultural fabric. From office workers grabbing a quick bite to students stretching their budgets, the deal has long symbolised affordable convenience.
But with rising costs across the board, supermarkets are facing increasing pressure to balance value with profitability. Whether shoppers continue to see the Tesco meal deal as a worthwhile purchase will likely depend on what happens with wages and inflation in the months ahead.
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