TESCO is making a huge change to its popular meal deal and shoppers won’t be happy.
The nation’s biggest supermarket is hiking the price of its standard meal deal.
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From Thursday, August 22, the price of a standard Tesco meal deal will rise from £3.40 to £3.60 for Clubcard members.
Those without a Clubcard will have to pay £4 for the same meal deal, up from £3.90.
The supermarket justifies the price hike after making several recent improvements to the quality of its meal-deal range.
For example, it has recently switched to using cheddar matured longer for extra strength, plum tomatoes for extra sweetness, and new seasonings in certain menu items.
Tesco has also developed and launched seven new salads for its core meal deal.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Clubcard members will pay just £3.60 for a main, snack, and drink, meaning our meal deal remains great value and the ideal way to grab lunch on the go.Â
“With millions of possible combinations across our stores, our recent improvements to ingredients and more than 20 new mains introduced this summer, the Tesco meal deal has got something for every taste.”
The supermarket chain has kept the price of its premium meal deal at £5 for Clubcard holders and £5.50 for those without a loyalty card.
How does Tesco’s meal deal compare?
Here’s how Tesco’s core meal deal compare to other retailers:
- Asda Express – £3.75
- Boots – £3.60-£4.99
- Co-Op – £3.50 (loyalty price) or £4 for core and £5 (loyalty price) or £5.50 for premium
- M&S – £6
- Morrisons – £3.50 (loyalty price) or £4 for core and £5 (loyalty price) or £5.50 for premium
- Poundland – £3
- Sainsbury’s – £3.75 for core or £5 for premium
- Waitrose – £5
- WHSmiths – £5.50
Tesco’s core meal deal for Clubcard holders is now more expensive than meal deals from Boots, Co-op, Morrisons, and Poundland.
However, the supermarket chain has kept the price of its premium meal deal at £5 for Clubcard holders and £5.50 for those without a loyalty card.
The premium meal deal option was launched in addition to the supermarket’s core meal deal product last February.
Members of the Clubcard scheme make a saving of up to £3.74 when compared to buying the items available in a premium meal deal separately. Â
Co-op, Morrison and Sainsbury’s also offer premium meal deals starting at £5.
Last month, Sainsbury’s increased the price of its core meal deal range for the first time in three years.
The price of the supermarket’s meal deal combo rose by 7%, to £3.75 from £3.50.
How to find the best value meal deals
Comment by James Flanders, Chief Consumer Reporter.
IF you’re like me and lack the time or mental capacity to pack a lunch before a hectic workday, meal deals are an excellent alternative.
Irrespective of what retailer you visit, these offers typically offer a main course, a side, and a drink at a lower combined price than if you bought each item separately.
While prices vary by store and the type of meal deal you select, we all have our favourite supermarkets.
So, if you’re as particular as I am, it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting the best value – even if the meal deal is pricier than those offered at other retailers.
Firstly, it’s vital to sign up to your favourite supermarket’s loyalty scheme.
Those who regularly visit Tesco will save 40p per core meal deal if they have their Clubcard on hand.
You’ll save 50p if you’re more inclined to bag the supermarket’s premium meal deal, too.
However, there are other ways to get more bang for your buck.
Make sure to take the prices of individual items into account.
The higher these are – the better deal you’ll usually get.
Tesco told us that some combinations can cost over £8 separately – so make sure you’re savvy with your options.
How have Tesco meal deal prices changed?
Tesco last increased the price of its regular meal deals for both Clubcard and non-Clubcard holders by 40p in October 2022.
It meant that the meal deal Clubcard price increased from £3 to £3.40.
The price of a meal deal for non-Clubcard shoppers also increased from £3.50 to £3.90.
However, if a shopper’s selection is less than £3.40 or £3.90, they only pay the price of the items.
Tesco’s most popular lunchtime meal deal is a sausage, bacon and egg triple sandwich, a packet of McCoys flame grilled steak crisps and a bottle of Coca Cola.
When purchased separately, these items would cost £6.20, giving Clubcard members a saving of £2.60.
TESCO CLUBCARD SCHEME
TESCO’S Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop, these points can then be turned into vouchers for money off food or other reward partner schemes.
When you spend £1 in-store or online, you get one point when you scan your card or app.
Drivers using Clubcards now get one point for every two litres spent on fuel.
One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you £1.50, for example.
You’ll need a minimum of 150 points to request a voucher.
These vouchers can either be worth the face value to spend in-store at Tesco, or you can double their worth to spend at reward partners, including restaurants, and on days out.
Loyalty card holders can also get cheaper prices on over 8,000 items thanks to Clubcard Prices.
These Clubcard prices save the average member £360 on their annual shop, according to Tesco.