Tesco food sale price rises for second time in two years

Tesco is raising the price of its popular lunch deal for the second time in two years, dealing a blow to fans of budget lunches.

The cost of the deal, which includes a sandwich or salad, a snack and a drink, is up nearly 6 percent and follows another increase less than two years ago.

The supermarket has justified the price increase by saying it has introduced better quality ingredients and improvements to the range of items on offer.

From Thursday, Clubcard members will pay 20p more for their meal, meaning a sandwich or salad, a snack and a drink will now cost £3.60.

Non-Clubcard customers will pay £4, or 10p, more than the current price.

It is the second time the supermarket has raised prices during the cost of living crisis, and comes just a month after Sainsbury’s raised the price of its food offering for the first time in three years, from £3.50 to £3.75 across all its stores.

In October 2022, Tesco’s meal deal increased for the first time in a decade from £3 to £3.40 for Clubcard members, and from £3.50 to £3.90 for those without a loyalty card.

Tesco says the latest price rise is due to improvements made to the quality of its range, including a switch to longer-matured cheddar and new seasonings.

It also said it was expanding its range with the introduction of seven new salads, including a feta and grain salad.

How much do supermarkets charge for food deals?

Tesco competitors Sainsbury’s and Co-op offer similar deals of £3.75 and £3.50 for members respectively.

Boots’ meal deal costs £3.99 or £3.60 with an Advantage card, while Morrisons offers its own deal for £3.50.

Tesco says the deal still represents “great value” as 80 per cent of customers buy a meal package using a Clubcard, and many meal combinations would cost more than £8 if bought separately.

Tesco’s most popular meal deal – a triple sausage, bacon and egg sandwich, a packet of McCoys Flame Grilled Steak crisps and a bottle of Coca Cola – would cost £6.20 if bought separately.

A Tesco spokesperson said: ‘Clubcard members will pay just £3.60 for a main course, snack and drink, meaning our meal deal remains great value and the ideal way to grab lunch on the go.

‘With millions of possible combinations across our stores, our recent ingredient enhancements and over 20 new main dishes introduced this summer, Tesco’s meal offering has something for everyone.’

Tesco’s premium meal range will remain unchanged and will cost £5 with a Clubcard and £5.50 without a Clubcard.