Tesco has raised the price of its meal deal by 25 pence, marking the third increase since 2022. The meal deal now costs £3.85 for Clubcard holders, while non-members will be charged £4.25. This price adjustment comes amid rising food prices in the UK, which saw a year-on-year increase of 4.9% in July, up from 4.5% in June, according to recent inflation figures.
Factors contributing to the higher costs include adverse weather conditions in southern Europe, particularly Spain, Italy, and Portugal, which have affected the prices of fresh produce typically available at lower prices during summer months. Products notably impacted include beef, orange juice, coffee, and chocolate.
Customer reactions to the price increase have been mixed, with some individuals expressing concern about the rising costs. One user on social media described the news of the new price as “truly devastating,” while another questioned if the term “deal” still applied.
The Tesco meal deal had previously maintained a price of £3 for a decade before the first price hike occurred in October 2022. Other retailers, such as Sainsbury’s, have also adjusted their meal deal prices, with Sainsbury’s increasing its standard offering from £3.75 to £3.95 in June, following another price rise in July 2024.
Despite the price increase, some meal combinations still present significant savings for shoppers. For instance, a combination that includes a brie and smoked bacon sandwich, a vegetable samosa, and a smoothie would save a customer £4.05 with a Tesco Clubcard compared to purchasing each item separately.
In a related context, over 60 executives from major retailers, including Tesco, have cautioned Chancellor Rachel Reeves about the potential impacts of further taxes on businesses. They warned that anticipated food price inflation could reach 6% this year, asserting their inability to absorb additional tax burdens without passing costs on to consumers.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/21/customers-feeling-raw-tesco-adds-25p-meal-deal