The Coupon King's top tips to save money on lunches
As the nation heads back to school, Coupon King, Jordon Cox has a lesson in making your money go further. He’s here with more money saving secrets and tips to fill your family’s lunch boxes with the best value meal deals.
MEAL DEAL PRICE INCREASES
Last week, Tesco announced their meal deal was increasing from £3.40 with a Clubcard, to £3.60. If you don’t have a Clubcard, the price has increased from £3.90 to £4. This is the second price increase in two years, with it going up from £3 to £3.40 in October 2022.
Sainsbury’s also announced an increase in their meal deal price a few months ago, from £3.50 to £3.75.
WHAT’S THE CHEAPEST MEAL DEAL OFFER NOW?
Poundland, £3. The cheapest meal deal on the high street now is at Poundland, where it’s £3 for a sandwich, drink and snack. Although, the range of options aren’t as plentiful, and generally cheaper products are included in the offer.
Co-op, £3.50 (w/ loyalty card). Co-op is the one of the cheapest and has a good selection of products available. Costing £3.50 if you have a membership card or £4 without. Some sandwiches and pasta bowls usually cost just under £3.50 alone.
Morrisons, £3.50. Morrisons also joins the Co-op at offering their meal deals for £3.50. Although you can’t save as much here as the maximum saving you can make is £3.85, which is much less than other supermarkets.
WHAT ARE THE BEST VALUE MEAL DEALS?
By picking the highest value items, you can save £5+ by getting a meal deal at some supermarkets.
The biggest savings you can make include: Co-op (Save £5.15), Boots (Save £5+), Waitrose (Save £5+). This is based on the most expensive items you can get within the meal deal.
IS IT EVER CHEAPER TO BUY THE ITEMS INDIVIDUALLY?
Sometimes meal deal options cost less if you buy them individually.
For example if you get a Ham Sandwich for £1.50, water for £1 and McVities Gold for 60p - you’ll only pay £3.10, instead of £3.60.
WHAT ABOUT PREMIUM MEAL DEALS? ARE THEY WORTH IT?
You can save quite a bit more with the premium meal deal if you want more expensive items such as sushi, poke bowls or signature wraps.
Tesco premium meal deal, £5 (w/ Clubcard).
Sainsbury’s premium meal deal, £5.
Co-op premium meal deal, £5 (w/ loyalty card).
CAN YOU GET COSTA HOT DRINKS WITH A MEAL DEAL?
Costa hot drinks are included in the meal deals at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Morrisons.
You can get these from the Costa Express machines, which would usually cost £3+ alone.
You can also collect Costa loyalty card points when purchasing the meal deal offer, which can be used to redeem a free drink after a number of points have been collected on your account.
WE HAVE HOT WEATHER COMING UP - ARE THERE ANY MEAL DEALS THAT INCLUDE ICE CREAM?
Meal Deals include ice creams at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Co-op.
Singular ice creams can be claimed as your ‘snack’ including Magnums, Cornetto and Haagen Dazs.
AND SOMETIMES OFFERS IN STORE CAN BE CHEAPER THAN MEAL DEAL ITEMS?
‘Meal Deals’ might not be the best value. Offers in store can often be cheaper than items in the meal deal.
For example: Ginsters Chicken Bake 117g is £1.50 in the meal deal. Whereas Ginsters Chicken Slice 170g is £1.25 individually.
Pink Lady Apple Slices 80g, £1.35 (meal deal). Apple Snack Pack 80g, 60p (non meal deal).
Grab Bags Of Crisps 40g, £1 (meal deal). Tesco Twirls, Bacon Rashers & Onion Rings 150g, £1 each (non meal deal).