In the United Kingdom, ameal deal is asales promotion which consists of three items: a main (often asandwich), adrink and a snack (commonlycrisps orconfectionery). Meal deals are primarily eaten atlunchtime, and more than a third ofBritons buy one at least once per week.[1]
Meal deals are sold by a variety of retailers such as supermarkets, convenience stores, cafés and bakery chains. Many retailers offer a selection of types of mains, such aspasta salads,sushi andwraps which tend to come in a variety of toppings or fillings, as well as ready-made sandwiches. Supermarkets generally offer the widest variety of meal deals,[1] withSainsbury's offering over 500 products in their range,[2] andTesco offering over 10 million possible combinations.[3] They tend to be served cold in supermarkets, but some cafés such asCosta offer hot options.[4] Snacks offered by many retailers also includesausage rolls,[5]pork pies[6] and fresh fruit.[7]
Meal deals vary in price depending on retailer, with most costing a set price between£3 and £5.[3] As of 2022, the average price of a meal deal (from retailers across the market) is £4.12, up from £3.91 in 2020.[8] The price saving offered by a meal deal, compared to purchasing the three items separately, can be over 50%.[3] In 2019, a court ruled that a "free" bottle of wine included in aMarks & Spencer meal deal costing £12 is not free for the purpose of calculatingalcohol duties.[9]
PharmacyBoots pioneered the meal deal, starting in 1999.[10] The meal deal is regarded as a staple inBritish culture,[11] being typically associated withconvenience and value for money, comparable to regular meal sets offered atcha chaan tengs in Hong Kong.[12] In the United States, the term "meal deal" is used by fast food chains such asDairy Queen andHardee's to market their sales promotions combining a main, a drink andFrench fries.[13][14]
Sales of shop-bought sandwiches and meal deals declined amidst theCOVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, as more peopleworked from home, resulting in fewer people in city centres. Their sales rebounded in early 2022 after the lifting of lockdown restrictions in England and the easing of travel restrictions.[3] Sales of meal deals have grown amidst the2021–present United Kingdom cost of living crisis, contributing to bakery chainGreggs reporting a growth in sales of nearly 15% as of October 2022.[15]
On 27 June 2023, theWelsh Government announced plans to introduce legislation that would restrict meal deals in Wales involving meals high in fat, sugar and salt. The legislation, designed to tackle instances oftype 2 diabetes andobesity, would be introduced in 2024 and implemented in 2025. Retailers expressed concern in response to the announcement, particularly with high food prices, while charities representing people witheating disorders suggested the plans could have a negative effect on those in recovery.[16]