A Tesco shopper said they will no longer be buying Meal Deals thanks to the price hike, claiming while it won’t ‘price most people out’ of them, it’s not a deal anymore
Gone are the days of being able to grab a super cheap lunch on the go, even for Tesco Clubcard holders, as the supermarket announced a price increase. The price of a main, snack and drink has gone up from £3.60 to £3.85 for Clubcard holders, and this comes into effect today (Thursday, 21 August). Customers without a Clubcard will see the price rise from £4 to £4.25.
However, some disgruntled Tesco shoppers shared this completely puts them off purchasing from the supermarket, saying it’s no longer affordable for many, especially those without a Clubcard.
Social media has been on fire with fuming shoppers saying they will “boycott” the Tesco Meal Deal now, with many claiming it’s “time to riot”.
Others said it was “daylight robbery,” and some have said it proves there’s still a “cost of living crisis in the UK”.
Ryan Barkley, 25, from Glasgow said the Meal Deal is now a “less attractive” product to buy because it’s more expensive.
Previously, the Meal Deal had cost just £3 for 10 years, and was changed in 2022.
Ryan said: “I am frustrated with the Meal Deal price hike because I don’t believe that the food quality will increase in line with the cost increase.
“It also feels less like a deal when they have to increase the cost of the ‘deal,’ and it’s not really a ‘meal’ either, it’s more of a snack.
“The difference is that buying these things separately obviously costs more, so I bought them together.”
He did point out, however, that other people may turn their backs on the Meal Deal as you can get “better value elsewhere”.
Ryan reckons not many will necessarily be “priced out” of being able to purchase a Meal Deal from Tesco, but he did say he no longer believes consumers are getting a “deal”.
He continued: “I think it is true to say that it’s certainly a less attractive product or offer for the consumer.
“There are very limited circumstances where you would say in any other area of life or budgeting that you still feel like you got a ‘deal’ after a price increase where you still get the same product as you did before the price increase.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Our meal deal remains great value and the ideal way to grab lunch on the go, at just £3.85 for a main, snack, and drink when bought with a Clubcard.
“With more than 20 million possible combinations, the Tesco meal deal has got something for every taste, from a classic Chicken Club Sandwich to Tesco Korean Style Chicken Dragon Rolls.”
Will the price hike impact whether you get a Meal Deal? Let us know in the comments…