Sainsbury’s has increased the price for the second time in less than a year – and customers are not happy
Sainsbury’s has increased the price of its popular lunchtime meal deal for the second time in less than a year – sparking fury from customers and even its own staff. The cost of the classic combo – a main, side and drink – has jumped from £3.75 to £3.95, taking it perilously close to the £4 mark.
The 20p rise follows a previous hike in July 2024, when the price was increased from £3.50. Outraged shoppers have taken to social media to voice their frustration. One wrote: “Sainsbury’s meal deal gone up to £3.90 – we are in the end times.”
Another said: “This is not a drill – Sainsbury’s meal deals have been upped again and are £3.95: it was £3.75 before today.”
A third posted: “Why TF was my Sainsbury’s meal deal £3.95 – should we all just give up?” Even Sainsbury’s staff said they weren’t warned of the change. One worker wrote on Reddit: “Wow, saw that the meal deal has gone up to £3.95. Did anyone else know beforehand or did my managers fail to inform us this was happening?”
Another added: “Honestly I just tend not to eat at work any more. Eating’s too expensive.”
The rise makes Sainsbury’s regular meal deal more expensive than rival supermarket Tesco, which charges £3.60 for Clubcard holders, and Morrisons, whose loyalty card members pay the same. The premium £5 meal deal, offering sushi and poke bowls, remains unchanged since its launch in 2022. However, there’s now a £7 “super-premium” tier available in some stores.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s defended the change, saying: “Sainsbury’s continues to offer one of the best value meal deals around. We’ve also recently introduced a range of new products just in time for summer, including our best-seller Picnic Triple Sandwich and build-your-own salad options.
“This means anyone who shops with us can choose from an affordable selection of over 150 mains, 300 snacks and 400 drinks.” While Sainsbury’s has not given an official reason for the increase, the supermarket is continuing to expand its food-to-go offering as part of a wider push to boost sales. The retailer has also added 35 new items to the deal, hoping the new options – from salads to picnic boxes – will justify the steeper price tag.
But some shoppers remain unconvinced. One joked: “Had to do a double take when I saw the price increase,” while another said the supermarket was “sneaking the price up” – something the supermarket says is not true.
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The move comes at a time when Brits are already feeling the pinch, with food prices still high and inflation fears mounting. A recent report by the Food and Drink Federation found consumers are scaling back spending on convenience items like meal deals.
Tesco hiked its Clubcard meal deal price from £3.40 to £3.60 last year. Co-op charges £3.50 for members, while Waitrose is the most expensive at £5 across the board. Despite the latest increase, Sainsbury’s is hoping its Aldi Price Match initiative – now covering over 800 items – will help soften the blow for shoppers facing rising costs on all fronts.