Tesco has introduced a major refresh to its iconic lunchtime meal deal, adding four new limited edition main items to shelves in stores across the UK, including Birmingham. Shoppers will need to act fast to try the new creations, which range from a Chicken Pepperoni sandwich to a much-discussed 'Marry Me' Chicken Wrap.
What's New in the Tesco Meal Deal?
The popular Instagram page New Foods UK first revealed the new additions, sharing images of the products on social media. The four new mains are all limited edition, signalling a temporary offering for customers seeking variety beyond the standard range.
The first is the Chicken Pepperoni and BBQ Sauce sandwich. This option features barbecue sauce, chicken breast, pepperoni, and mild cheddar cheese, all served in tomato bread.
Next is the Salt and Pepper Chicken Wrap. This wrap contains chicken breast in a salt and pepper sauce, combined with roasted pepper, onion, and spinach, all wrapped in a plain tortilla.
The third addition is the Jamaican Style Jerk Chicken sandwich. This flavour-packed choice includes chicken breast, pickled vegetable slaw, mango chutney, jerk sauce, mayonnaise, and spinach, presented in tomato bread.
Finally, the 'Marry Me' Chicken Wrap has been added. It comprises chicken breast, tomato, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, herb mayonnaise, marinated semi-dried tomato, and lettuce, all encased in a tomato tortilla wrap.
Shopper Reaction and Recent Price Changes
The announcement has generated a mixed response from customers. One shopper commented on social media, "Finally I can take a break from the tuna sandwich," welcoming the new variety. However, not all feedback was positive, with one customer stating the Salt and Pepper Chicken Wrap lacked flavour and had unpleasant crunchy vegetables.
This menu refresh follows a recent price adjustment for the Tesco meal deal. In August, the cost for Clubcard holders increased from £3.60 to £3.85 for a main, snack, and drink combination. For customers without a loyalty card, the price rose from £4 to £4.25.
A Competitive Lunchtime Market
Tesco's move to update its meal deal selection is a strategic play in the highly competitive UK supermarket sector, where it battles rivals like Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, and Sainsbury's for customer loyalty. Introducing limited edition items is a proven tactic to drive footfall and encourage repeat purchases from regular lunchtime shoppers.
The success of these new mains will likely be measured by their popularity on shelves and social media chatter in the coming weeks. For now, Tesco has given its customers a fresh reason to consider its meal deal during their next lunch break.
