Co-op investigated the UK’s favourite meal deal combo across 5 major cities (Image: Getty)
Many people have a favourite meal deal, but some are more popular than others. The top Co-op meal deal combinations in major UK cities have now been revealed – and yours could be on the list.
The new data checks out meal deal favourites across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, revealing some interesting variations. While most people tend to choose a reliable sandwich as their main option, one city shows a preference for pasta salad. Customers aren’t just b-lining for the standard meal deals either; Co-op has seen a 203% rise in premium deal purchases.
The Irresistible New York Deli Sandwich is a Co-op premium meal deal favourite across all cities (Image: Co-op)
While the Irresistible New York Deli Sandwich emerged as the near-universal favourite for premium meal deals, standard lunch choices varied significantly by city, the Co-op told Express.co.uk.
London and Glasgow lean towards classic sandwich and crisp combinations, often favouring chicken and bacon fillings paired with McCoy’s crisps and Coca-Cola Zero. In contrast, Manchester stands out for its unique standard-tier pairings, such as eggs with mustard-mayo dips and energy drinks.
Birmingham and Cardiff represent the most distinct palates, with Birmingham being the only city to favour a BBQ chicken pasta salad for a standard meal, while Cardiff opts for a more traditional cheese and onion sandwich, accompanied by heartier snacks like a Ginsters Peppered Steak Slice.
Co-op’s analysis revealed some interesting meal deal variations (Image: CO-OP)
Full list of favourite Co-op meal deals across UK
- Standard: Co-op BBQ Chicken & Coleslaw Pasta Salad, Co-op Apple & Grape pot, and Shaken Udder Chocolush Milkshake
- Premium: Irresistible New York Deli Sandwich, Walkers Max Paprika Crisps, and Innocent Orange Juice Smooth
Cardiff
- Standard: Co-op Cheese & Onion Sandwich, Ginsters Peppered Steak Slice, and Innocent Orange Juice Smooth
- Premium: Irresistible New York Deli Sandwich, Cadbury Double Decker, and Dr Pepper Zero
Glasgow
- Standard: Co-op Chicken and Bacon Sandwich, McCoy’s Salt and Malt Vinegar, and Coca-Cola Zero
- Premium: Irresistible New York Deli Sandwich, Hula Hoops Big Hoops BBQ Beef, and Coca-Cola Zero
London
- Standard: Co-op Chicken and Bacon Sandwich, McCoy’s Flame Grilled Steak, and Coca Cola Zero
- Premium: Irresistible New York Deli Sandwich, McCoy’s Salt and Malt Vinegar, and Coca Cola Zero
Manchester
- Standard: Co-op Chicken and Bacon Sandwich, Co-op Egg and Mustard Mayo Dip Pack, and Monster Mega Ultra White
- Premium: Irresistible New York Deli Sandwich, GU Single Zillionaire Ramekin, and Coca Cola
Co-op’s Irresistible Italian Mortadella & Mascarpone Focaccia and Irresistible Korean Chicken Sando (Image: CO-OP)
While premium meal deals might not be everyone’s go-to, Co-op has seen sales of this kind triple over the last three years, with Thursday the most popular day for workers to upgrade their meal.
The supermarket’s latest premium launches include the Irresistible Italian Mortadella and Mascarpone Focaccia, Irresistible Beef Burrito Wrap with Birria Dip, Irresistible Korean Chicken Sando with Gochujang Aioli and a Tex-Mex Style Chicken Wrap with Holy Moly Guacamole Dip.
Helen Jagger, Co-op’s new product developer manager, said: “We’re seeing shoppers turn lunch into more of a treat and the great British meal deal is right at the heart of that. People aren’t just picking the cheapest option anymore, they’re looking for bigger, bolder flavours, standout ingredients and something that makes lunchtime feel like a special occasion.”
Jim Winship, director of the British Sandwich and Food to Go Association, said: “This report mirrors our experience that when times are tough, consumers tend to turn to premium sandwich and food-to-go products both as a treat and in preference to eating out in pubs and restaurants at lunch and other times.”
Co-op has also launched a version of its popular meal deal at Co-op Live, the UK’s largest indoor arena in Manchester. The deal includes a choice of main and a big grab sharing bag of crisps (150g). There are multiple Co-op stores within the venue, serving shoppers with gig-ready food and drink.
Co-op prices its standard meal deals at £3.75 for members and £4.10 for non-members, and its premium meal deal at £5.50 for members and £6 for non-members.
Top 10 regions purchasing premium meal deals
- Greater London
- Greater Manchester
- Kent
- West Yorkshire
- Cheshire
- Devon
- Lancashire
- North Yorkshire
- East Sussex
- Surrey