Tesco has long been the leader of the supermarket meal deal, but while the standard offer has crept up in price over the years, savvy shoppers have discovered how to enjoy a full meal deal experience for just £2.70, and you don’t even need a Clubcard to do it.

As Britain’s largest supermarket, Tesco attracts more than a quarter of all UK grocery spend. Its popular meal deal, once priced at £3.00 for Clubcard members and £3.50 for non-members, increased in October 2022 to £3.40 and £3.90 respectively. Despite this, Tesco’s meal deals remain a go-to option for many seeking value, convenience and choice during the lunch rush.

But if you're looking to save even more, there’s a simple trick - by choosing a £1.50 sandwich, a 60p snack, and a 60p drink, your total comes to just £2.70 – that’s 70p less than the standard Clubcard price and £1.20 less than the non-member price. The bonus? No Clubcard required. The clever hack was revealed on last night's episode of Secrets of Supermarket buyers, hosted by Denise Van Outen on Channel 4. Examples given on the show were a £1.50 cheese and onion sandwich, a 60p nutri grain cereal bar and a 60p bottle of Highland Spring water.

This clever workaround works particularly well if you’re not fussed about premium brands or if you tend to go for simpler choices anyway. In fact, it’s a tip that’s gaining traction among money-saving communities online.

The ongoing appeal of the meal deal lies in more than just affordability. According to consumer journalist Harry Wallop: “The lunchtime meal deal became a real key battleground for supermarkets because most people do their shopping at weekends or after work. The lunchtime deal taps into a whole new category of shopper.”

Tesco understands this well. Meal deals are strategically placed in the most accessible part of the store, making it easy for customers to grab and go – but also increasing the chance they’ll pick up a few extra items along the way. This strategy is known as boosting “footfall”, and it’s a core tactic used by major supermarkets to drive revenue.

The most popular combination in 2023? The sausage, bacon and egg triple sandwich, paired with Steak McCoy’s and a Coke. But with new additions like sushi and high-end pasta, Tesco has expanded its range to compete with premium lunchtime options from Pret, Leon and Itsu.

The rise of the deluxe meal deal is no accident. With more people working hybrid patterns and heading into the office only two or three days a week, many feel they’ve earned a little lunchtime treat. Tesco’s premium options cater to exactly that mindset.

So next time you’re at Tesco, take a moment to explore beyond the stickered meal deal shelves – a little smart shopping might save you more than you think.