Tesco is set to ruffle feathers among its loyal customers with a major change to its beloved meal deal as Britain’s leading grocer announces a price hike that will hit shoppers’ pockets.
Tesco has revealed that the cost of its standard meal deal is rising.
From Thursday 22 August, Clubcard holders will see the price of their standard Tesco meal deal rise from £3.40 to £3.60.
For those who don’t have the benefit of a Clubcard, the price is even steeper, with a meal deal now costing £4, down from £3.90 previously.
Tesco defends the price hike by pointing to a series of improvements made to the quality of its meal deals.
Recent updates include a move to longer-aged cheddar for a stronger flavor, the introduction of sweeter plum tomatoes and new spice blends in certain meals, The Sun reports.
In addition, Tesco has expanded its range of meal offers by adding seven fresh salad options to its core selection.
A Tesco spokesperson commented: “Clubcard members pay just £3.60 for a main, snack and drink, meaning our meal deal is still great value and the ideal way to grab lunch on the go.
“With millions of possible combinations in our stores, recent ingredient improvements and more than 20 new main courses introduced this summer, Tesco’s meal deal has something for everyone.”
Despite the changes to its standard offering, Tesco has decided to keep its premium meal deal priced at £5 for Clubcard members and £5.50 for non-members.
But how does Tesco’s meal deal stack up against the competition? Here’s a quick comparison of Tesco core meal prices with other retailers:
- Asda – £3.75
- Boots – £3.60-£4.99
- Co-Op – £3.50 (loyalty price) or £4 core; and £5 (loyalty price) or £5.50 premium.
M&S charges £6 for its meal deal, while Morrisons offers a loyalty rate of £3.50 or non-members £4 for basic meal options and £5 (loyalty price) or £5.50 for premium.
Poundland’s meal deal costs £3, Sainsbury’s £3.75 for core or £5 for premium, and Waitrose and WHSmiths both charge £5.50.
Tesco’s basic meal deal for Clubcard holders is now cheaper than Boots, Co-op, Morrisons and Poundland meal deals.
The premium meal offer option was introduced in addition to the supermarket’s basic meal offer product last February. Clubcard members can save up to £3.74 compared to buying a premium meal deal separately.
Tesco last increased the prices of its regular meal deals for both Clubcard and non-Clubcard holders by 40p in October 2022.
This meant that the cost of a meal deal Clubcard rose from £3 to £3.40. The price of a meal deal for non-Clubcard buyers also increased from £3.50 to £3.90.
