Pret A Manger is launching a meal deal

Move aside Tesco, and get out of the way Waitrose, Pret A Manger is entering the meal deal market. 

In a bid to boost lunchtime trade after sustaining heavy losses last year, the coffee chain is rolling out the popular main, snack and drink combo in the final three months of the year. 

Boss Pano Christou said the company’s priority would be “offering great value for money” as it looks to grow the brand and return to sustainable profits. 

While it sounds great, it’s hard to judge at the moment because we don’t know how much it’s going to cost, and where it will launch. 

At the moment, Pret’s range of sandwiches cost between £2.99 and £6.25. 

Cold drinks range in price between £1.80 and £4.80. Some of the snacks listed on the website include salt and cider vinegar crisps, dark chocolate corn cakes and dried mango. 

Pret suffered heavy losses last year because of non-cash impairments linked to a reassessment of the company by owner JAB, which bought the chain in 2018.

What do supermarkets offer? 

Major supermarkets, such as Tesco, have offered meal deals including sandwiches, snacks and drinks for years.

Tesco recently increased the price of its meal deal by 25p as food inflation affects the sector.

Waitrose has the most expensive deal at £5. 

Sainsbury’s recently increased its price by 20p to £3.95. 

Morrisons customers pay £4, the same as Co-op non-members – though members pay £3.50. 

Asda doesn’t offer a fixed price for its meal deal, instead operating a 3-for-2 system, with the cheapest item free.