Tesco has increased the cost of its popular meal deal for the second time within two years. From August 22, 2024, Clubcard holders will now pay £3.60, and non-Clubcard members will see a price tag of £4. The company claims that this increase is actually good value with improved options and new meals.

One of the largest supermarkets in the UK, Tesco is putting up the price for its meal deal yet again. From Thursday 22 August 2024, customers will find that their favourite lunchtime meal deal – sandwich, pasta or salad with an accompanying snack and drink – now costs a little bit more. For those with the Tesco Clubcard, it will increase from £3.40 to £3.60. For those that don’t, the price goes from £3.90 to £4.

For the second time in two years, Tesco increases the cost of this meal deal. Does anything simple not increase in price? Not even a quick lunch—price out of control. Despite another price rise, Tesco hopes to reassure customers that their meal deal still offers great value for money.

A spokesman for Tesco said: “Even at its new price, Clubcard members will still pay just £3.60 for a main, snack and drink. Our meal deal remains one of the best choices on the high street for a quick, great value lunch.”

It has also pointed out that actually, of late, it has introduced quite a few improvements in the meal deal options. More than 20 new main meals have been introduced in this summer itself, and out of these, seven are salads, it has claimed. From a ham sandwich classic to salads for people trying to eat healthily, Tesco has claimed there is something for everyone’s taste.

One of the possible reasons for this price hike could be the rise in costs being incurred in all areas by the supermarkets themselves. It was recently reported by analysts at Kantar that grocery prices had risen by 1.8% compared to the same time on the previous year—it was the first rise in food inflation since March 2023. A small but significant rise in grocery prices means supermarkets such as Tesco are also paying more to stock their shelves, and some of those costs are now being passed on to customers.

However, it’s not all bad news. While the meal deal standard version is getting a little more expensive, Tesco is keeping the price of its premium meal deal unchanged. So if you want to treat yourself to something a bit more special, this will still cost £5 with a Clubcard and £5.50 without.

For many, Tesco’s meal deal has been the answer when on the go at work, school, or just out and about for a cheap, quick lunch. Turning a main, snack, and drink into one proved a really popular bundle, and though the prices have risen recently, Tesco is pretty certain customers will still get substantial value for money off of this offer.

It’s also betting on improvements it’s made to the range. With new options available, customers might be more tempted to grab a meal deal—even at the slightly higher price. From healthier salad choices to more diverse mains, Tesco is hoping these changes keep customers coming back.

“We’ve listened to our customers and made a number of recent improvements to our meal deal range,” said the spokesperson. “With the introduction this summer of new ingredients and more than 20 new main meals, we’re making sure there’s something for everyone. Whether you grab lunch on the go or pick up something for later, our meal deal represents great value and great choice.”

At a time when every penny counts, with the cost of living seemingly increasing by the day, Tesco’s decision to hike the price of its meal deal may not go down well with all its customers. But the supermarket is gambling that the combination of a small increase in price and improved product options will keep customers satisfied.

For those people who have almost come to rely upon Tesco’s meal deal for lunchtime, this could be quite a blow. But with a Clubcard, the increase is relatively small, and Tesco is sure that their meal deal still offers good value for money.

While your next Tesco meal deal might cost you a few extra pence, you can expect to see some new and exciting options available on the shelves. Whether such improvements justify the price increase, customers shall soon decide when picking up their next lunch.