First, the main event: a sandwich, wrap, or salad. Waitrose doesn’t mess around with sad ham-and-cheese. We’re talking things like Coronation Chicken with Mango Chutney or a “Vegan No-Tuna Mayo” that tastes suspiciously like hope. These aren’t just sandwiches; they’re lifestyle statements.
Then you get a snack. This could be a bag of posh crisps (think “Mature Cheddar & Caramelised Onion” instead of plain salt-and-vinegar). Or you could grab a piece of fruit, a protein bar, or a tiny pot of hummus that costs £1.50 on its own and is gone in two bites. The snack is a crucial decision—choose poorly, and you’ll feel personally offended by the price.
Finally, a drink. This is where the magic happens. You can get a fizzy drink, a bottle of water, a smoothie, or—if you’re feeling fancy—a coffee from the self-serve machine. Pro tip: fill that cup to the brim with oat milk because at £5.90, you’re basically renting the caffeine.
The Maths That Will Haunt You
Let’s break down the surprising facts. A single Waitrose sandwich alone costs £3.80–£4.50. Add a snack (avg £1.20) and a drink (avg £1.60), and you’re looking at nearly £8. So the Meal Deal saves you about two quid. That’s like getting a 25% discount for playing a game of “how many items can I fit in this flimsy paper bag?”
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But here’s the kicker: if you buy the Meal Deal every workday for a month, that’s £118. A year? £1,416. You could fly to Barcelona for that. And instead, you’re eating a sandwich that tastes faintly of executive resignation. I’m not judging—I’ve done it too.