Tesco is set to ruffle feathers among its loyal customers with a significant change to its beloved meal deal, as the UK's leading grocer announces a price increase that will hit shoppers' pockets.

In a move that's bound to stir up some discontent, Tesco has revealed that the cost of its standard meal deal is on the rise.

Starting from Thursday, August 22, Clubcard holders will see the price of their usual Tesco meal deal jump from £3.40 to £3.60.

For those without the benefit of a Clubcard, the cost is even steeper, with the meal deal now setting them back £4, up from the previous £3.90.

Tesco defends the uptick in pricing by pointing to a series of enhancements made to the quality of its meal deal offerings.

Recent upgrades include a switch to longer-matured cheddar for a stronger flavour, the introduction of sweeter plum tomatoes, and new seasoning blends in select meals, The Sun reported.

Moreover, Tesco has expanded its meal deal selection with the addition of seven fresh salad options to its core range.

A spokesperson for Tesco commented: "Clubcard members will pay just £3.60 for a main, snack, and drink, meaning our meal deal remains great value and the ideal way to grab lunch on the go.

"With millions of possible combinations across our stores, our recent improvements to ingredients and more than 20 new mains introduced this summer, the Tesco meal deal has got something for every taste."

Despite the changes to its standard offering, Tesco has decided to maintain the price of its premium meal deal at £5 for Clubcard members and £5.50 for non-members.

But how does Tesco's meal deal stack up against the competition? Here's a quick comparison of Tesco's core meal deal prices with those of other retailers:

• Asda - £3.75
• Boots - £3.60 to £4.99
• Co-Op - £3.50 (loyalty price) or £4 for core; and £5 (loyalty price) or £5.50 for premium.

M&S is charging £6 for its meal deal, while Morrisons offers a loyalty price of £3.50 or, for non-members £4 for the core meal choices, and £5 (loyalty price) or £5.50 for premium.

Poundland's meal deal is priced at £3, Sainsbury's charges £3.75 for core or £5 for premium, and Waitrose and WHSmiths both charge £5.50.

Tesco's core meal deal for Clubcard holders is now pricier than meal deals from Boots, Co-op, Morrisons, and Poundland. 

The premium meal deal option was introduced in addition to the supermarket's core meal deal product last February. Clubcard scheme members can save up to £3.74 when compared to buying the items available in a premium meal deal separately.

Tesco last increased the price of its regular meal deals for both Clubcard and non-Clubcard holders by 40p in October 2022.

This meant that the meal deal Clubcard price increased from £3 to £3.40. The price of a meal deal for non-Clubcard shoppers also increased from £3.50 to £3.90.