Asda's £5 meal deal could save you £240 a year

If you buy lunch at the supermarket regularly, Asda’s new “Exceptional” meal deal could put real money back in your pocket — potentially £240 a year or more.

From 18 May, Asda is offering a premium meal deal nationwide (including Express stores) for just £5. You get to pick a main, a snack, and a drink. The range includes 17 quality options like Prosciutto Cotto focaccia, Steak & Onion sandwiches, Beef Birria wraps, and hand-finished sushi rolls.

How much are you actually saving?

Asda undercuts its main rivals on premium meal deals. Tesco charges £5.50 with a Clubcard (£6 without), while Sainsbury’s and Co-op both charge £5.50 (£6 for non-members at Co-op). That’s 50p to £1 less per meal at Asda.

Money-saving blogger Alasdair Baker from The Penny Pincher blog has worked out the real-world impact. If you buy lunch just a few times a week, that 50p–£1 saving adds up fast. Over a working month, you could save £10 to £20. Scale that up across a full year, and you’re looking at £120 to £240back in your pocket — depending on how often you buy lunch.

Which deals offer the best value?

Baker highlights some standout options: the Chicken Caesar Shake-A-Salad (which costs less in the deal than comparable salads sold separately), the Beef Birria Wrap with dipping sauce, and the deli-style focaccia sandwiches. The sushi options are also worth considering if you like premium lunch choices.

Why now?

Asda says this move is part of its wider commitment to improve value for shoppers as food costs continue to rise. With cost-of-living pressures still squeezing household budgets, every saving counts — and lunch is an easy place to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

If you’re in the habit of buying a supermarket lunch several times a week, it’s worth switching to your nearest Asda to take advantage of this deal. Small savings on everyday purchases genuinely do add up over time.