Supermarkets Raise Lunchtime Meal Deal Prices Amid Inflationary Pressures

Supermarket lunchtime meal deal prices have seen an upward trend in recent years, with several major retailers increasing costs, prompting shoppers to re-evaluate value. Waitrose recently raised the price of its meal deal to £5.50, an increase of 10 percent from its previous £5 price point. This marks the first price adjustment since Waitrose introduced its meal deal in August 2023.

Co-op also quietly increased its meal deal prices on June 17, with the cost for non-members now at £4.25, up from previous prices. Previously, in October 2025, Co-op had raised its standard meal deal to £3.75 for members and £4.10 for non-members. The chain stated that significant inflationary pressures necessitated these reviews, although its premium meal deal price has remained at £5.50.

Tesco offers two tiers of lunchtime deals. In August 2025, the standard meal deal price for Clubcard holders increased from £3.60 to £3.85, while non-members saw a rise from £4 to £4.25. This standard deal had remained £3 for a decade before price hikes in 2022. Tesco also provides a premium meal deal at £5.50 for Clubcard members and £6 for non-members.

Sainsbury’s adjusted its standard meal deal price in June 2025 from £3.75 to £3.95. This followed a 25p increase in July 2024 and a rise to £3.50 in 2021. The supermarket's premium meal deal has held steady at £5 since its 2022 introduction.

Morrisons offers a standard meal deal at £3.50 for More loyalty cardholders and £4 for non-members. The supermarket also introduced a limited-time football-themed deal from June 17 to July 28, costing £10 for two mains, two sides, and four drinks, which it claims works out to £2.50 per person.

Asda launched a £3.74 meal deal in September 2025, with the price consistent for loyalty and non-loyalty members, offering a snack, main, and drink. This deal, available in stores and online, replaced a previous three-for-two offer. In May 2026, Asda introduced a premium meal deal priced at £5.

Boots, while not a traditional supermarket, maintains a popular lunchtime meal deal. The cost is typically £3.99 for non-members and £3.60 for Advantage loyalty cardholders, though some locations, such as those in the City of London, may charge more.

Greggs, another non-supermarket option, increased its core lunchtime meal deal (main and drink) to £4.25 in May 2026, up from £4. Its 'Big Deal,' which includes a main, side, and drink, now costs £5.25, an increase from £5 when it was introduced last year.

Retailers often cite inflationary pressures as the reason for price adjustments. Shoppers looking to maximize value might consider selecting the most expensive items within the deal's parameters or utilizing loyalty program benefits where available.