Meal deals have long been a go-to for a quick, affordable lunch. But with prices rising steadily since 2020, grabbing that sandwich, snack and drink combo is no longer the bargain it once was.
According to new research from Moneyboat, the cost of supermarket meal deals has jumped across the board. Tesco and Morrisons have seen the sharpest increases, both up 33.3% since 2020. If these trends continue, prices could hit over £5 by 2030.
What are we paying in 2025?
Right now, Sainsbury’s offers one of the lowest-priced deals on the high street at £3.75, though it doesn’t offer a loyalty discount. Boots, popular with city workers, charges £3.99, dropping to £3.60 for Advantage Card holders.
Tesco’s standard price is £4.00, but Clubcard members pay £3.60. Morrisons and Co-op also charge £4.00, with loyalty card holders paying £3.50. That is currently the cheapest option available.
As loyalty cards become more central to pricing, shoppers can make noticeable savings by signing up. Many of these schemes are free and can unlock other offers too.
What could we be paying in 2030?
If current price increases continue at the same rate, here’s what meal deals could look like in five years’ time:
- Tesco: £5.33
- Morrisons: £5.33
- Co-op: £5.33
- Boots: £4.69
- Sainsbury’s: £4.68
Sainsbury’s, which raised its price by 25% between 2020 and 2025, is forecast to stay just below £5. Boots, with a more moderate 17.7% increase so far, may also remain under that threshold. Tesco, Morrisons and Co-op, however, are expected to push past it.
What’s driving the rise?
With searches for “food inflation” up 30% in the past year, it’s clear that rising food prices remain a concern. Meal deals, once seen as a reliable way to eat cheaply, are now part of the wider conversation about the cost of living.
How to stretch your lunch budget
Moneyboat’s finance experts have shared practical tips to help consumers keep lunchtime spending in check:
- Join loyalty programmes
Discounts for members can bring meal deal prices down by as much as 50p or more. Signing up is free. - Go for own-brand products
Swapping branded items for supermarket versions can cut costs without a big change in quality. - Look for yellow stickers
Late in the day, supermarkets often mark down food close to its use-by date. It’s a good way to save if you plan to eat it soon. - Use cashback and food waste apps
Services like Too Good To Go and Olio offer discounted food that would otherwise go to waste. Many supermarkets take part. - Bring your own lunch
Making meals at home can save a lot over time. Even basic sandwiches or pasta dishes can make a difference.
As prices continue to rise, the traditional meal deal may no longer be the easy win it once was. But with a few small changes, shoppers can still make their money go further.
For more details, visit: www.moneyboat.co.uk
