The Great Tesco Meal Deal Challenge
If there's one thing that Brits can agree on, it's the love for a good meal deal. Whether it's a quick lunch on the go or a snack to keep you going through the day, these combinations of main, snack, and drink have been a staple in British supermarkets for years. But with rising prices due to inflation, the once affordable meal deal is now costing more than ever.
In 2022, a standard Tesco meal deal could be purchased for just £3, but by 2023, the price had increased to £3.60 for Clubcard members and £4 for others. This prompted a question: Could you build your own meal deal for less using individual items?
To find out, I set off on a challenge with a few rules in mind. Only 'on the go' foods were allowed, no cooking involved. No yellow sticker items, meaning no discounted products. I had to stick to the Clubcard budget of £3.60 and ensure my meal deal offered something better than the standard offer.
The Drink Selection
Starting with the drink, I headed to the soft drinks section. There, I found a bottle of Tesco’s own-brand Peach and Passionfruit Sparkling Water at 75p. At one litre, this was a clear upgrade from the 500ml bottles typically included in meal deals. It was a great start, and I had £2.85 left.
The Main Course
Next up was the main course. I explored the hot and cold section and considered options like quiche and protein grazing packs. However, they either used up too much of my budget or didn’t meet my criteria. Eventually, I found a Ginster’s Chicken and Bacon Cornish Pasty at £1.50 with a Clubcard. This was larger and branded, making it a better option than the smaller pasty available in the meal deal.
With £1.35 remaining, I moved on to the snack.
The Snack Selection
The snack section was where things got interesting. I considered a family-sized bag of Nik Naks, which would have fit perfectly within the budget. However, I wanted to explore other options. I discovered a ‘summer edition’ Caramelised Onion Scotch Egg for just 80p. It was a unique twist on a classic snack and a great addition to the meal.
With 55p left, I decided to add a final item to make the meal more balanced.
The Bonus Item
I wanted to include something healthy, so I grabbed a 50p snack pack of apple and grapes. This brought the total cost to £3.55, leaving me with 5p in change. I had successfully created a meal deal with four items—each bigger or better than the standard offer.
Conclusion
By carefully selecting each item, I managed to beat the traditional meal deal with a more substantial and varied selection. While the original meal deal might have been convenient, this custom version offered better value and quality.
Whether you're looking to save money or simply enjoy a more satisfying meal, building your own meal deal can be a fun and rewarding challenge. So next time you're at the supermarket, consider taking on the challenge yourself. Who knows what you might discover?