I love a good shortcut when it comes to saving time and money—especially on busy weekdays when cooking from scratch just isn’t happening. Tesco’s meal deals have quietly become one of my go-to tricks for eating well without overspending.
For a few pounds, you can grab a full lunch or dinner that feels fresh, filling, and far better than grabbing a takeaway. After a few weeks of testing and tallying receipts, here are ten Tesco meal deals that genuinely save me money (and sanity) every week.
Tesco £3.90 Lunch Deal
Tesco’s classic lunch combo—main, snack, and drink—might be one of the best bargains on the high street. If you normally spend £6–£7 grabbing food on the go, this deal easily saves £15 a week. I love the chicken salad sandwiches or sushi boxes, a packet of crisps, and a bottle of sparkling water. It’s quick, fresh, and still cheaper than a coffee shop sandwich.
Tesco Finest Meal Deal for Two
This is the ultimate “date night at home” option. For around £12, you get a main, side, dessert, and a bottle of wine—worth at least £20 separately. My favourite combo is the lasagne, garlic bread, chocolate mousse, and a bottle of red. It feels indulgent but costs less than one restaurant meal. I’ve even served it for guests and no one suspected it was from Tesco.
Tesco Family Meal Deal
If your family eats at different times, this deal is a lifesaver. You can pick a mix of mains, sides, and drinks that stretch across several meals. It’s ideal for school nights when you need something everyone will eat. I usually go for pasta bakes, chicken fillets, and oven chips—simple, no-fuss, and far cheaper than takeaway for four.
Tesco Pizza Night Deal
Tesco’s two-for-one pizza deal has become my go-to Friday night ritual. The fresh stonebaked pizzas are just as good as delivery, and when paired with garlic dough balls and a bag of salad, the whole dinner costs under £10. That’s easily £20 saved compared to ordering in. Plus, you can customise them with whatever toppings you fancy.
Tesco Meal Deal with a Drink Upgrade
For those who love their energy drinks or smoothies, this one’s worth noting. Many of the premium drinks like Innocent smoothies or Starbucks chilled lattes are included in the lunch deal. If you bought them separately, they’d cost nearly as much as the whole meal. Always check the labels—you’ll often get £2–£3 extra value for free.
Tesco Plant-Based Meal Deal
Even if you’re not vegan, Tesco’s plant-based options are fantastic. The Plant Chef wraps and Wicked Kitchen salads are fresh, filling, and surprisingly flavourful. The whole deal costs around £4, while a café salad can easily run you £8 or more. It’s an easy way to eat better without paying extra for it.
Tesco “Mix & Match” Ready Meals
Tesco often runs 2-for-£6 or 3-for-£8 deals on chilled ready meals. I like to stock up on the pasta and curry options—they make weeknights effortless. Compared to spending £6 on one takeaway curry, grabbing three for the same price is a win. It’s smart, practical, and ideal for nights when cooking just isn’t happening.
Tesco Breakfast Deal
For mornings when I’m rushing out the door, Tesco’s breakfast combo saves both time and money. A croissant or breakfast roll with a coffee for under £3 beats the £5–£6 I used to spend at chain cafés. It’s a small swap that adds up quickly—saving nearly £60 a month if you grab it daily.
Tesco Kids’ Meal Deal
If you’re feeding little ones, this is an underrated gem. Tesco’s kids’ sandwiches, fruit bags, and juices are great quality and far cheaper than school canteen lunches or eating out. It’s convenient, healthy, and saves roughly £10 a week if you pack lunch instead of buying it.
Tesco “Finest” Ready-to-Heat Meals
For nights when I want something that feels special but takes no effort, Tesco’s premium ready-to-heat range is worth every penny. They’re often part of a 2-for-£8 promotion and taste miles better than standard ready meals. Compared to two takeaway mains at £25, this swap easily saves £15—and the quality genuinely holds up.
The Takeaway
Tesco’s meal deals aren’t just convenient—they’re a smart way to cut down your food bill without feeling like you’re missing out. Whether it’s lunch on the go or dinner with a glass of wine, these little swaps add up to real savings. If you plan your week around a few of these deals, you could save £15 or more—without sacrificing flavour or variety.
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