Tesco Raises Meal Deal Prices Again, Shoppers React Online

The cost of Tesco’s popular meal deal has seen another increase, marking the second price rise within a year. Effective from August 22, 2025, Tesco Clubcard holders will now pay £3.85 (approximately $4.90), up from £3.60 (approximately $4.60). For shoppers without a Clubcard, the price has risen from £4 to £4.25 (approximately $5.40). The Premium meal deal has also undergone a price hike, increasing from £5 to £5.50 for Clubcard users, while those without the card will now pay £6, up from £5.50.

The standard meal deal typically includes a main item, a snack, and a drink. Choices for the main item range from sandwiches and wraps to sushi and pasta pots, with sides that can include crisps, fruit, and chocolate. Drink options feature water, soft drinks, iced coffee, and energy drinks. Among the current top-selling combinations is the Chicken Club Sandwich, Tesco Egg Protein Pot, and a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola. When purchased separately, these items would total £6.50 (approximately $8.30£2.65 with the meal deal.

Public Response to Price Increase

The announcement of the price hike has generated significant backlash on social media. An employee’s photo of the updated shelf label quickly circulated, prompting comments that ranged from disbelief to anger. One user on X described the increase as “genuinely outrageous,” while others suggested boycotting the meal deal entirely. A comment on Reddit encapsulated the frustrations of many, with one user stating Tesco should “get rid of the meal deal if they keep upping the price,” and another lamenting that £3.60 was reasonable, but anything higher felt excessive.

This increase follows a similar complaint trend from last year’s price adjustments. In October 2022, Tesco raised prices for the first time in over a decade, moving from £3 to £3.40 for Clubcard holders and from £3.50 to £3.90 for non-members. By 2024, the prices had further climbed to £3.60 and £4 respectively.

Broader Context of Rising Prices

Tesco is not alone in raising meal deal prices. Competitor Sainsbury’s increased its meal deal price by 20p in June 2025, now charging £3.95 (approximately $5.00). Earlier this year, Tesco also increased the price of its Finest Dine-In deal, moving from £12 to £15 (approximately $15.30 to $19.15) for Clubcard users. Supermarkets are grappling with rising supplier costs, energy bills, and transport expenses, leading analysts to predict that food inflation in the UK could reach 6% by the end of 2025.

A spokesperson for Tesco stated that the meal deal still offers strong value, particularly for Clubcard holders. They also mentioned plans to expand the Premium meal deal range with new items, such as the Finest Salmon Konbini Roll and the Finest Gochujang Konbini Roll.

While Tesco has not commented on potential future pricing, ongoing inflation trends suggest further increases could occur. For millions who rely on the meal deal for lunch, this latest hike represents another challenge to their weekly food budget, prompting many to reconsider whether the convenience still justifies the cost.