This represents a rise of 20p from the previous price point of £3.75, which was first introduced in July 2024, up from £3.50.
The meal deal includes a sandwich, wrap or pasta dish, a snack and a drink. Since 2022, Sainsbury’s has also offered a premium meal deal, the price of which remains unchanged at £5.
No explanation for the price rise was offered by Sainsbury’s when approached for comment by Food Manufacture.
“With millions of possible combinations, we continue to offer one of the best value meal deals around,” a Sainsbury’s spokesperson said.
“We’ve also recently introduced a range of new products just in time for summer, including our best-seller Picnic Triple Sandwich and build your own salad options. This means anyone who shops with us can choose from an affordable selection of over 150 mains, 300 snacks and 400 drinks.”
The retailer has recently added 35 new products to its meal deal range, including the option to build your own salad, the Picnic Triple Sandwich and a Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut.
Sainsbury’s is the second largest grocery retailer in the UK, operating 600 supermarkets and more than 800 convenience stores.
Reacting to the news, industry analyst and growth director at ESA Retail, Kirk Brazier, said: “Sainsbury’s decision to raise its meal deal to £3.95, whilst reflecting wider inflationary pressures, probably remains justifiable given the breadth of choice and ongoing value.
“Despite there being no loyalty card advantage at Sainsburys, the price point still stays below the magic £4 figure and stays within touching distance of Tesco and the like.
“The biggest factor in Sainsburys favour, is their increasing variety in its food to go section. With a range that consists of over 150 mains, 300 snacks and 400 drinks across the UK, they have an offer that goes beyond that of its key competitors – certainly an angle that they can leverage when customer loyalty remains king.”
