What are best food deals? We all have our trusty and best meal deals — those familiar picks that offer a quick fix when hunger strikes. But which shop truly offers the finest selection? And where can you get the most value for your money? After careful exploration, we’ve uncovered the answers to these lunchtime dilemmas.
While we’d never claim best meal deals near me are the most cost-effective option, there’s no denying their appeal. The convenience, variety, and flavour packed into each deal can be a hard combination to beat. Yet, at over £3 per pop, it’s crucial to make sure you’re getting the best value.
To help you stretch your lunch budget further, we’ve rated each shop’s offerings and calculated the most expensive combinations you could go for. Plus, we’ve compiled a list of tasty alternatives, so you don’t end up spending over £20 a week on ready-made meals.
Best Lunch Meal Deals
1. Tesco Meal Deal
- Tesco Meal Deal Price: £3.60 with a Clubcard, or £4 without (£5 deal also available)
- Meal Deal Features: A main, a snack and a drink
- Best Value Tesco Meal Deal: £8.95: a sausage, bacon and egg triple sandwich (£3.25), Grenade protein bar (£2.30) and a regular Costa drink (£3.40).
Tesco and meal deals? A match made in lunchtime heaven. For years, they’ve been the go-to combo of a main, snack, and drink—all wrapped up in a budget-friendly bundle. But 2022 brought some big changes to this beloved British staple.
After a solid decade of offering the meal deal at a flat £3, Tesco shook things up by introducing a two-tier pricing system. Clubcard members could still enjoy the classic price, while everyone else had to fork out £3.50. And just when we were catching our breath, October 2022 brought another twist: the price rose again—£3.60 with a Clubcard, and £4 without. Inflation, it seems, doesn’t spare even our lunchtime favourites.
But let’s not get stuck on the price tags—because the variety Tesco offers is seriously impressive. Depending on your local store, you could build your deal from sushi, warm toasties, fresh pastries, or the classic sausage roll. Not a fan of the usual sandwich suspects like bacon and egg? No worries—there’s something for every taste.
And despite the bump in price, the value is still there. With drinks like smoothies often costing over £2 on their own, you can easily mix and match your way to a combo that would cost far more if bought separately. So yes, the Tesco meal deal may cost a bit more now—but it’s still one of the most satisfying steals on the high street.
2. Co-op Meal Deal
- Co-op Meal Deal Price: £3.50 for Co-op members, or £4 for non-members
- Meal Deal Features: A main, a snack and a drink
- Best Value Co-op Meal Deal: £8.65: a tomato basil and chicken pasta (£3.45), a millionnaire shortbread (£2.45) and a 300ml bottle of Innocent Super Smoothie Energise (£2.75).
Much like Tesco, Co-op operates a dual-price structure for its meal deals: members enjoy the perk of paying just £3.50, while non-members must part with £4 — a persuasive nudge toward joining the loyalty scheme, if ever there was one.
Though it may not boast the lowest price tag for the uninitiated, Co-op’s meal deal selection earns high marks in our book. Beyond the usual suspects of crisps and soft drinks, you’ll find a tempting array of baked delights — think buttery croissants and cinnamon swirls — adding a touch of indulgence to your lunchtime routine. At £3.50, it’s hard to grumble.
And if tomato, basil, and chicken pasta isn’t quite your cup of tea, fret not: a variety of other pasta bowls and fresh salads are waiting in the wings, all for the same inviting price.
3. Sainsbury’s Meal Deal
- Sainsbury’s Meal Deal Price: £3.75 (£5 deal also available)
- Meal Deal Features: A main, a snack and a drink
- Best Value Sainsbury’s Meal Deal: £8.75: a free-from chicken mayo (£3.25), a Grenade Oreo protein bar (£2) and a 500ml strawberries and cream Huel (£3.50).
Though Sainsbury’s meal deal edges slightly higher in price than Tesco’s, it levels the playing field with a single, straightforward offer—£3.75 for all, loyalty card or not. No Nectar card? No problem. (Though we’d still suggest picking one up—you never know when it might come in handy.)
The real delight lies in the value. We unearthed a trio of items that, bought individually, would have cost more than double the meal deal price. And the savings don’t stop there—plenty of other generous combinations await those with a keen eye and a healthy appetite.
When it comes to snacks, Sainsbury’s doesn’t skimp. True, the fresh fruit may not be the most cost-efficient pick in terms of sheer value—but it’s a virtuous choice for the health-conscious. Prefer something indulgent? The bakery’s siren call of pastries and sweet treats is just as welcome in the deal.
4. Morrisons Meal Deal
- Morrisons Meal Deal Price: £3.50
- Meal Deal Features: A main, a snack and a drink
- Best Value Morrisons Meal Deal: £7.35: a chicken caesar wrap (£3), vegetable gyozas (£1.75) and a Naked Super Smoothie (£2.60).
Morrisons may not dazzle with an expansive meal deal spread, but what it lacks in variety, it makes up for in reliability — a steady companion for those who find themselves near one of its stores in need of a quick, satisfying bite.
The mains are familiar fare: wraps, sandwiches, and pasta pots, each a no-nonsense staple of the grab-and-go genre. As for drinks, expect a modest but thoughtful offering — from fruit juices and smoothies to the occasional coffee, ready to perk up a dreary afternoon. It may not turn heads, but it does the job — a humble, dependable meal deal, quietly waiting to be chosen.
5. ASDA Meal Deal
- ASDA Meal Deal Price: Varies (pick three items and the cheapest is free)
- Meal Deal Features: Any three eligible items
- Best Value ASDA Meal Deal: Varies
ASDA takes a different path when it comes to the classic meal deal — veering away from the traditional trio of main, snack, and drink for a fixed price. Instead, it offers a freer, looser arrangement: choose any three eligible items, and the least expensive one is yours for nothing. It’s a scheme that invites flexibility, but not without its trade-offs.
On the bright side, the freedom is real — fancy three sandwiches? Go ahead, no one’s stopping you. This unorthodox approach gives you permission to customise your lunch entirely to your cravings.
But freedom, as ever, comes at a price. Quite literally. Take the priciest possible combo — say, a £3.50 sandwich, a £1.30 pot of hard-boiled eggs, and a £2.58 Starbucks caramel macchiato. With the eggs knocked off the bill, you’re still left paying £6.08 — a figure that dwarfs the fixed-rate deals found elsewhere.
And therein lies the catch. While other supermarkets offer the quiet thrill of beating the system — squeezing maximum value from a rigid formula — ASDA’s model denies you that small but satisfying victory. It’s flexible, yes, but you may find yourself longing for the comforting certainty of a capped price and a clever little win.
6. Greggs Meal Deal
- Greggs Meal Deal Price: From £3.75
- Meal Deal Features: A cold sandwich and a drink
- Best Value Greggs Meal Deal: £5.55: a roast chicken and bacon club baguette (£3.45) and a hot chocolate (£2.10).
Not one to be left trailing in the footsteps of its supermarket counterparts, Greggs steps into the meal deal arena with more than just a single offering — in fact, it boasts an entire lineup. Beyond the usual sandwich and salad pairings, there are dedicated deals for bakes, savoury rolls, sweet treats, and even slices of pizza, each accompanied by a drink. But for now, let’s keep our focus on the classic sandwich and salad duos — the most traditional contenders in the meal deal game.
Within this deal, all your Greggs favourites are accounted for — from hearty sandwiches to the somewhat rarefied salads (for those few brave souls who seek leafy greens in a pastry haven). For drinks, you can take your pick between a chilled bottle or a comforting regular-sized hot brew.
At first glance, £3.75 for just a main and a drink might seem like a steep ask, especially when stacked against the fixed-price generosity of other retailers. And fair enough — unless, of course, you’re a student.
Here’s where things get interesting: flash your student ID, and Greggs sweetens the deal with a free sausage roll, vegan roll, cheese and onion bake, or a sweet treat when you buy a cold sandwich combo. With that little bonus factored in, the value starts to shine through the crust.
So yes, while it might not win the budget crown outright, this clever twist makes the Greggs meal deal a sneaky student favourite — and one of our go-to insider hacks.
Cheapest Lunch Meal Deals
Boots Meal Deal
- Boots Meal Deal Price:£3.99 or £3.60 with an Advantage Card
- What’s Included:a main, a snack, and a drink
- Regional Differences:£4.99 in London stores and airports or £4.50 in London with an Advantage Card
Boots holds a distinct advantage with its widespread presence in train stations and airports across the country, making it the default choice for many weary travellers in need of a quick meal. Unfortunately, that convenience comes at a price, as the cost of a standard meal deal is often higher in these locations. And if you happen to reside in London, prepare for an even steeper price tag — the Boots meal deal there is automatically more expensive.
However, if you’re a frequent Boots shopper, particularly in the capital, an Advantage card can be your ticket to saving on these meal deals across the UK (though, alas, airport stores are excluded from this benefit).
As for the meal deal itself, it’s a reliable, no-frills offering, with over 450 items eligible for the deal. The selection is notably inclusive, catering to a variety of dietary needs with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Health-conscious choices abound, including rice bowls, falafel veggie boxes, fresh salads, lentil chips, fruit, and sparkling water — so you can maintain a healthier lifestyle without compromising. Of course, if you’re craving the indulgent comforts of crisps, chocolate, or sugary drinks, those are available too.
For those looking to be savvier with their spending, why not challenge yourself to live on a £20-a-week food budget? It’s a clever way to navigate your meal deal choices while keeping your wallet in check.
Best Alternatives to Meal Deals
1. Follow Our Meal Plan
If £3.50 for a lunch sounds like a bargain, prepare to have your expectations thoroughly redefined. Our student meal plan stretches that same modest sum to cover not just lunch, but breakfast, dinner, and even a few snacks — a full day of eating, cleverly crafted on a shoestring.
Included in the plan are lunchtime delights like a hearty bean salad, a crisp cheese and onion rösti, and a comforting pasta dish — each one flavourful, filling, and often costing less than a pound per portion. In fact, most come in well below that mark. And let’s not forget: these are just the midday meals. You’re also served two more balanced, satisfying plates each day, all bundled into that same low price.
But what if the craving strikes and only a sandwich will do? Fear not — even then, the humble meal deal struggles to compete with the value of a little home-cooked know-how.
2. Make Your Own Cheap Sandwich
We understand — the humble homemade sandwich can pale in comparison to the glossy, ready-made options lining the shelves. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Our curated list of budget-friendly yet flavour-packed sandwich fillings is brimming with inspiration, ready to transform your midday meal into something truly crave-worthy. Better still, each creation comes in at a fraction of the cost of your typical meal deal.
And if none of our suggestions quite spark your appetite? That’s perfectly fine. The real message here is simple: ditch the tired ham-and-cheese routine and dare to get creative in your own kitchen. A more exciting, satisfying sandwich is just a few thoughtful ingredients away.
3. Try Making Your Own Soup
No matter how tempting the price tag, even the most wallet-friendly meal deal can’t outmatch the humble, homemade soup when it comes to value.
We’ve gathered a selection of easy-to-make soup recipes that even the most kitchen-shy cook can master. Each one comes in at well under £1 per portion, making them a nourishing, budget-conscious alternative. Our mixed vegetable soup, in particular, is delightfully simple — a hearty, wholesome bowl that costs next to nothing and warms you from the inside out.
4. Check Out the Reduced Section
Once again, this savvy little trick works best toward the end of the day — that magical hour when supermarkets begin to quietly stock their reduced-to-clear shelves with yellow-stickered treasures.
Of course, the selection shifts daily, depending on which items are nearing their best-before dates. But here’s where a bit of knowledge goes a long way: best-before speaks to quality, not safety. A product might lose a touch of its flavour or texture after that date, but it’s often still perfectly fine to eat. Use-by dates, on the other hand, are a different story — ignore those at your own peril.
Among the discounted offerings, you might stumble upon the occasional ready meal, but the real midday prize appears when a meal deal main makes its way into the markdowns. Sure, you won’t be handed a snack and drink to go with it — but if the savings are sweet enough, you can pick those up yourself and still come out ahead.
Conclusion
In the end, the best meal deal in the UK comes down to what you value most — whether it’s price, variety, quality, or convenience. From Tesco’s solid all-rounder to Co-op’s tempting bakery options and Greggs’ student-friendly perks, each contender brings something unique to the table. While no meal deal can quite rival the savings of a home-cooked lunch, sometimes the ease and indulgence of grabbing a ready-made combo is worth the splurge. Whatever your preference, one thing’s for sure: with a little know-how and a sharp eye for value, you can turn even the humblest lunch break into a satisfying treat.
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FAQ
Morrisons takes the crown for the best supermarket meal deal, with both its meat and vegetarian sandwich options impressing across the board.
Who doesn’t love a quick sarnie or wrap for lunch? We’ve got the cheapest supermarket meal deals on offer, from faves like Tesco and Boots.
Tesco meal offer covers you with ‘The Finest Dinner for Two’. Choose from a selection of mains, sides, drinks and desserts for two for just £12.
The cost of the deal, which includes a sandwich or salad, snack and drink, is going up by almost 6 per cent, and follows another increase less than two years ago. The supermarket has justified the price rise by saying it has introduced better-quality ingredients and improvements to the range of items on offer.
Boots meal deal price: £3.99 or £3.60 with an Advantage Card. Boots has the advantage of having stores in train stations and airports across the country, meaning many travellers have no choice but to opt for a Boots meal deal for their lunch, however, these stores do bump up the price of a standard meal deal.
The price of a meal deal with a Clubcard will increase from £3.40 to £3.60, while the price without a Clubcard will rise from £3.90 to £4 from 22 August. A Tesco spokesperson told Grocery Gazette that despite the price rise, its meal deal “remains great value and the ideal way to grab lunch on-the-go”.
Waitrose, Tesco, Boots and others ranked by price. Meal deal prices vary in price between £3 and £5 at supermarkets and stores around the UK.
Morrisons takes the crown for the best supermarket meal deal, with both its meat and vegetarian sandwich options impressing across the board.
