Here we go then, Tesco has officially revealed what the UK’s most popular meal deal combination was in 2023.
We all know that meal deals are a classic lunch option for those looking for something quick to grab on the go, and it’s fair to say that Tesco’s is one of the most popular on the market – but which combination was the most popular over the past 12 months?
Well, it looks like it’s we have a case of ‘new year, same meal deal’ on our hands.
That’s because, for the second year running now, the supermarket retailer has revealed that the nation’s favourite meal deal combination in 2023 was the Tesco Sausage Bacon & Egg Triple, McCoy’s Flame Grilled Steak ‘Grab Bag’ Crisps, and a Coca-Cola (500ml).
Image: The Manc Group
While the ‘all day breakfast’ triple butty took the top spot for mains in 2023, this did, however, change during the festive season, as the Tesco Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich took over the coveted number one ranking instead.
The Tesco Chicken Triple Sandwich, the Tesco Smoked Ham & Mature Cheddar Sub, the Tesco Hoisin Duck Wrap, and the Tesco Chicken Caesar Wrap all rounded out the top five.
Top 10 favourite Tesco meal deal mains in 2023
Tesco Sausage Bacon & Egg Triple
Tesco Chicken Triple Sandwich
Tesco Smoked Ham & Mature Cheddar Sub
Tesco Chicken Club Sandwich
Tesco Hoisin Duck Wrap
Tesco Chicken Caesar Wrap
Tesco Southern Fried Chicken Pasta
Tesco Chicken, Bacon & Stuffing Sandwich
Tesco Tuna & Sweetcorn Pasta
Tesco Cheese Triple Sandwich
When it comes to the accompanying snacks and drinks, as already mentioned, it was the Mccoy’s Flame Grilled Steak Grab Bag, and a Coca-Cola (500ml) that came out on top, but when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find there was actually quite a wide variety of other picks in the UK’s top 10 this past year.
Some of the other most-picked snack options included the Tesco Egg Protein Pot, Big Hula Hoops BBQ Beef ‘Grab Bag’ Crisps, and Walkers Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli ‘Grab Bag’ Crisps.
For drinks, the Oasis Summer Fruits (500ml), and Lucozade Sport Orange (500ml) proved popular.
The meal deal statistics for 2023 were revealed as part of Tesco’s annual ‘Clubcard Unpacked’ series / Credit: Tesco
The meal deal statistics for 2023 were revealed as part of Tesco’s annual ‘Clubcard Unpacked’ series, which is basically like ‘Spotify Wrapped’, but for Clubcard customers, and it gives the supermarket’s loyalty card members a unique insight into what they shopped for and how much they saved over the last year.
The series also gives Clubcard holders the chance to find out what their personal favourite meal deal combination was in 2023, and see how that compares to the rest of the nation.
You’ll just need to open your Tesco Clubcard app on your mobile or online to find out.
1,500 miles of roadworks have now been lifted across the UK.
With half term well underway already, and now millions of drivers set to hit the road over the next five days as Easter bank holiday weekend arrives, giving Brits two extra days off, National Highways has now confirmed that, as of today (Thursday 2 April), around 1,500 miles of roadworks have been lifted nationwide.
Roads are expected to be ‘especially’ busy tomorrow in particular (Good Friday), National Highways predicts, as this is the day people are most likely to head on a spring getaway.
So, in a bid to help ease congestion for drivers up and down the motorways, roadworks have been removed up until Bank Holiday Monday (6 April).
“By keeping 98% of routes clear, we’re supporting the wider economy where it matters most to tourism, freight, and local businesses,” National Highways said in a statement.
1,500 miles of roadworks have been lifted to help ease congestion for drivers this bank holiday weekend / Credit: pxfuel
The decision to lift the roadworks comes as a new national survey revealed a total of 71,254 breakdowns were recorded in spring (March–May) last year, compared with 56,702 in 2022.
It also showed that more than one in two (53%) UK drivers have broken down on a motorway or major A-road in their lifetime, highlighting how common the experience is for both drivers and passengers, and why it’s important to take relevant safety precautions from all sides.
29% of drivers think their breakdown could have been prevented with simple vehicle safety checks, but 17% admit to rarely or never conducting these.
National Highways echoes the statement that most of these incidents could be avoided through ‘quick and basic’ checks, and is urging drivers heading away this bank holiday weekend to familiarise themselves with how to do these before hitting the roads, so they can reach their destinations safely, saving costs and reducing delays for all road users in the process.
“Millions of people will be hitting the roads over Easter, and we want everyone to have a safe and smooth journey,” commented Colin Stevenson, who is the Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways.
“A few simple checks can help to prevent many of the breakdowns we see each year and help drivers avoid unexpected delays, cost and stress.
“Our teams work around the clock to keep motorways and major A-roads moving and these small steps from drivers can make a big difference.”
Millions of UK workers to receive pay rises from today as National Living and Minimum Wage increases
Emily Sergeant
Millions of workers across the UK are set to begin receiving substantial pay rises from today.
After the Government announced back in November that it would take the recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission, and increase both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, those changes have now come into force in a bid to ensure people on lower incomes are ‘properly rewarded’ for their work.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Low Pay Commission, it’s an independent body made up of employers, trade unions, and experts whose role is to advise the Government on the minimum wage.
As mentioned, the rate recommendations introduced today were agreed unanimously by the Commission.
Millions of workers in the UK are getting pay rises from today / Credit: John Kakuk (via Unsplash) | Pexels
This means that the living wage, for eligible workers who are aged 21 and over, has now risen by 4.1% from today to £12.71 an hour.
For a full-time worker, that means a pay increase of £900 a year.
The National Minimum Wage rate for workers aged 18 to 20-year-olds has also increased today by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour, and then for 16 to 17-year-olds, and those on apprenticeships, the rate has increased by 6% to £8 an hour.
“The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society,” commented Baroness Philippa Stroud, who is Chair of the Low Pay Commission.
“A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year.
“The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.
Workers aged 21 and over are now legally entitled to the National Living Wage after the age threshold for the highest rate was lowered from 23 in 2024.
National Minimum Wage rates are available to workers aged 16 upwards.
Emily Sergeant -
4th January 2024 
