Lunch meal deals: where’s the best value?

Friday, 27 June 2025 09:00

If you are someone who tends to buy their lunch each day in town, and like the idea of a meal deal, then you could save £300 a year depending upon where you are grabbing your food.

One quick lunchtime option for many Islanders is the classic ‘Meal deal’ – a combination of a main (usually a sandwich or salad), snack (usually crips, chocolate or something healthy) and a soft drink. They’re available from supermarkets and other stores.

But if you find you’re buying one of these deals regularly, are you sure you’re definitely getting the best deal?

One of our volunteer Council Members recently went out to survey lunch meal deals in supermarkets and other stores in or close to town – and prices vary more than you might expect, depending on where you shop.

Here’s some of the key findings from our survey:

  • Best Value: Boots offers the cheapest meal deal at £3.75 if you have an Advantage Card – a full £1.25 cheaper than some competitors. Even without an Advantage Card, they remain the cheapest option (£4)
  • Most expensive: Roberts Garage comes in highest at £5.49, over 45% more expensive than the lowest price option.
  • M&S exit: Marks & Spencer no longer offer a meal deal, having discontinued it in 2024.

Why it matters

With food prices continuing to impact household budgets, even small daily differences add up.

A £1.25 daily saving on lunch could mean over £300 saved annually.

We're here to help Islanders make informed choices and find the best value, so, as always, we’ll continue monitoring local prices to help you shop smart.

If you’ve spotted a better priced lunch meal deal, or have suggestions on what everyday products we should check next, get in touch.

Share

More from Consumer Tips

  • Funeral costs rise

    Funeral costs are often the last thing we’d like to think about, but when the death of a loved one comes along having some idea about what’s on offer and the costs to be occurred makes it easier at such a sad time.

  • Are you paying for subscriptions you don't use?

    September is often seen as a month for getting back into a routine. The summer holidays are over, children are back at school, and life starts to feel a little more organised again. It’s also a good time to take a fresh look at your household finances – including those regular payments that quietly leave your bank account each month.

  • The September price check: are you really getting a bargain?

    September can often be a month of sales and special offers, as retailers clear their summer stock, and ‘back to school’ promotions and early Christmas deals appear in the shops. But before you go on a spending spree, ask yourself whether what you’re buying is really a bargain.

Opinion Poll

The Jersey Consumer Council frequently asks Islanders to take part in polls on a range of topics.

Just tap on one of the options below to cast your vote and see what others think.

ⓘ What does the JCC do with this information?

Connect with the JCC