Tesco, Britain’s biggest supermarket, has bumped up the price of its beloved Meal Deal by 25p today, August 21, 2025. For Clubcard holders, the cost now stands at £3.85, up from £3.60. Without a Clubcard, it’s £4.25, previously £4.
The Premium Meal Deal also sees a rise: £5.50 with Clubcard (from £5) and £6 without (from £5.50). This marks the latest tweak in a series of increases for the lunchtime staple, which offers a main, snack, and drink several possible combos.
The change hasn’t gone down well with shoppers. Social media is buzzing with complaints, framing it as “another hike” in tough times. Some are vowing to boycott the Meal Deal, saying things like, “Might as well scrap it if prices keep rising,” or “£3.60 was defensible, but this is mad.”
Tabloids and online forums amplify the noise, but the upset focuses mainly on this product, not a full Tesco boycott. One frustrated customer noted, “I’ll skip the Meal Deal from now on.”
This isn’t the first price adjustment. Back in October 2022, Tesco lifted the Meal Deal from £3 to £3.40 for Clubcard users and £3.50 to £3.90 without. Then, in August 2024, it went to £3.60 with Clubcard. Over three years, that’s an 85p jump for loyal customers, mirroring broader food inflation trends.
But is Tesco out of step with rivals? Not really. Sainsbury’s Meal Deal costs £3.95, up from £3.75 earlier this summer. Waitrose charges a steeper £5. Morrisons asks £4, but drops to £3.50 for members. Co-op follows suit at £4 non-members, £3.50 for members.
Tesco remains competitive, especially for its 20 million-plus Clubcard base, where £3.85 undercuts most big chains. Asda uses a 3-for-2 mix without a fixed price, adding variety but less predictability.
Why the increase? Supermarkets face ongoing cost pressures from supply chains and a fierce price war. Tesco is slashing £500 million in costs elsewhere to keep overall prices low, trading a small lunch bump for broader savings.
A spokesperson called it “still great value,” highlighting new options like Korean-style chicken rolls and expanded premium sushi. This comes amid sector-wide inflation, with grocery prices up 5% in August 2025.
Will the boycott stick? Experts doubt it. Meal Deals are a habit for busy workers – convenient and quick. A 25p rise stings but is tiny compared to switching stores or prepping lunch at home. Past hikes saw short-lived grumbles before sales normalized.
With Tesco’s huge market share (28.4%), and rivals not far cheaper, major shifts seem unlikely. Some might edge to Co-op or Morrisons for member perks, but loyalty and variety keep most hooked.
Looking ahead, watch for Tesco countermeasures. The chain has trialed personalized Clubcard discounts, which could offset the hike for frequent buyers. Rivals might respond with snack promos or bundle tweaks rather than slashing headlines. If inflation eases, further rises could pause, but trends suggest steady creeps.
