Tesco Food to Go: Top 10 Lunch Picks for Busy People
When you’re rushing between meetings, running errands, or commuting across town, lunch often ends up being whatever’s fastest — not necessarily what’s best. But Tesco’s Food to Go range proves you can still grab a quick, satisfying meal without compromising on quality or cost.
From sandwiches and wraps to sushi, salads, and hot snacks, Tesco has built one of the UK’s most varied and affordable “grab-and-go” selections. And with the classic Tesco Meal Deal still going strong, it’s easy to get a balanced lunch for under £4.
Here’s a look at Tesco’s best Food to Go options in 2025 — what’s worth buying, what’s healthiest, and how to make the most of your lunch break on a budget.
What Is Tesco Food to Go?
“Food to Go” is Tesco’s umbrella term for ready-to-eat lunch options — the kind you can pick up and eat immediately, no cooking required. It includes:
- Sandwiches, wraps, and baguettes
- Pasta pots and salads
- Sushi and snack boxes
- Drinks and crisps as part of meal deals
- Hot snacks at select Tesco Express locations
Most items are available both in-store and through Click & Collect, making it easy to plan ahead.
The Famous Tesco Meal Deal
Before we dive into individual picks, it’s impossible not to mention the Tesco Meal Deal — a UK institution at this point.
Price: £3.90 with Clubcard (£3.40 at some Express stores)
Includes:
- One main (sandwich, wrap, pasta, salad, or sushi)
- One snack (crisps, fruit, or chocolate bar)
- One drink (soft drink, smoothie, or bottled water)
With hundreds of combinations available, it’s the simplest way to eat affordably on the go. Many of the “Top 10” picks below are part of this deal.
Tesco’s Top 10 Food to Go Lunch Picks
1. Chicken & Bacon Club Sandwich (£2.90 / Meal Deal main)
A long-time customer favourite, this triple-layer sandwich offers a satisfying mix of roast chicken, crispy bacon, tomato, and lettuce with creamy mayo. High in protein and easy to eat on the move.
Why it’s great: Classic flavour balance and consistent quality.
Clubcard tip: Often included in the Meal Deal, saving around £1.50.
2. Wicked Kitchen BBQ No-Chicken Wrap (£3.50 / Meal Deal main)
Part of Tesco’s vegan range, this wrap is packed with smoky barbecue sauce, plant-based chicken, and crunchy slaw.
Why it’s great: Bold flavour and completely dairy-free.
Nutrition note: 17g of protein, under 400 calories.
3. Tesco Tuna & Sweetcorn Pasta Pot (£2.75 / Meal Deal main)
A simple cold pasta salad with tuna, mayo, and sweetcorn. Perfect for a filling lunch that doesn’t need heating.
Why it’s great: Budget-friendly and portioned just right.
Pro tip: Pair with sparkling water and fruit for a balanced meal.
4. Tesco Plant Chef Falafel & Houmous Wrap (£3.00 / Meal Deal main)
This vegetarian option combines seasoned falafel, houmous, and crunchy vegetables in a soft tortilla wrap.
Why it’s great: High in fibre and flavour, low in saturated fat.
Taste verdict: Fresh, tangy, and satisfying.
5. Tesco Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl (£3.50 / Meal Deal main)
For something lighter, this ready-to-eat salad has grilled chicken, parmesan-style cheese, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing.
Why it’s great: Fresh greens with good protein.
Tip: Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
6. Tesco Sushi Selection (£3.80 / Meal Deal main)
Tesco’s sushi trays have improved dramatically — fresh-tasting rice, good texture, and proper seasoning. Includes salmon nigiri, tuna rolls, and cucumber maki.
Why it’s great: High protein, low fat, visually appealing.
Note: Make sure to refrigerate if not eaten immediately.
7. Tesco BLT Sandwich (£2.75 / Meal Deal main)
The classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich is simple but consistently popular. Tesco’s version uses smoky bacon and crisp lettuce on soft malted bread.
Why it’s great: Reliable, portable, and filling.
Value: Costs less than most high-street alternatives.
8. Wicked Kitchen Spicy Veg Pasta (£3.25 / Meal Deal main)
A vegan-friendly pasta pot with roasted vegetables and chilli flakes. Ideal if you want something warming but not heavy.
Why it’s great: Tastes freshly made and comes in recyclable packaging.
Nutrition note: Around 350 calories per portion.
9. Tesco Southern Fried Chicken Wrap (£3.00 / Meal Deal main)
Crispy chicken strips, lettuce, and creamy dressing — a favourite among younger shoppers.
Why it’s great: Crunchy, indulgent, and easy to eat anywhere.
Tip: Works well with a side of fruit or sparkling water to balance the meal.
10. Tesco Ham & Cheese Croissant (£2.50 / Meal Deal main)
Ideal for breakfast or light lunch, this flaky croissant is filled with ham and melted cheese.
Why it’s great: Served cold but soft, buttery, and filling.
Pair with: Orange juice or black coffee from the in-store Costa Express machine.
Healthier Choices in the Food to Go Range
If you’re looking for lighter options, Tesco labels healthier Food to Go items with a green “Healthy Choice” icon and provides clear calorie counts on packaging. The best low-calorie options include:
- Tesco Chicken Salad Sandwich (325 kcal)
- Plant Chef Falafel Wrap (under 400 kcal)
- Tesco Sushi Snack Box (250 kcal)
- Tesco Protein Pots with Egg & Spinach (180 kcal)
Tesco’s Food to Go section also includes fruit pots, low-fat yoghurts, and small snack bags of nuts — perfect for healthier lunch combinations.
New Additions in 2025
Tesco has recently expanded its hot food selection in larger Tesco Express and Tesco Extra stores. The new options include:
- Hot paninis and toasties (from £3.50)
- Chicken tikka and BBQ wraps (ready-to-eat warm)
- Mini mac & cheese pots
- Breakfast sandwiches served until 11 a.m.
These additions cater to the growing number of customers looking for a warm meal on the go, especially commuters and tradespeople.
Value for Money Compared to Competitors
Retailer | Meal Deal Price (with loyalty) | Variety | Standout Feature |
---|---|---|---|
Tesco | £3.90 (Clubcard) | 250+ combos | Best value for money |
Sainsbury’s | £5.00 (Nectar) | 200 combos | Premium range |
Co-op | £4.50 (Membership) | 150 combos | Ethical sourcing |
Boots | £4.50 (Advantage) | 100 combos | Health-focused |
M&S | £5.50 | 120 combos | Gourmet quality |
Tesco continues to lead the UK meal deal market on affordability and variety.
Tesco Clubcard Benefits
Using your Tesco Clubcard when buying Food to Go items means:
- Discounted Meal Deal pricing.
- Points on every purchase (£1 = 1 point).
- Access to limited-time promotions, like “Double Points on Meal Deals” during exam or back-to-school periods.
Over time, your points can be redeemed for groceries, travel, dining, or cinema rewards — making every sandwich and wrap count toward something extra.
Convenience and Availability
Tesco’s Food to Go range is available at:
- All Tesco Express stores nationwide.
- Tesco Extra locations with dedicated chillers and hot food counters.
- Online via Click & Collect for busy professionals who want to grab lunch en route.
Most stores restock fresh items twice daily — early morning and mid-afternoon — so it’s best to visit before 2 p.m. for maximum choice.
Sustainability and Packaging
Tesco continues to improve its Food to Go packaging with:
- Fully recyclable sandwich boxes and salad bowls.
- Removal of plastic forks and straws (now optional).
- Compostable sushi trays in selected stores.
The goal is to make all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, aligning with Tesco’s wider environmental commitments.
Final Thoughts
Tesco’s Food to Go range manages to balance speed, taste, and affordability — something not every retailer achieves. Whether you prefer a traditional sandwich, a protein-packed salad, or a plant-based wrap, there’s something for every schedule and appetite.
The Meal Deal remains the clear winner for value, but Tesco’s growing vegan and hot food options make its grab-and-go section more versatile than ever. For busy people looking to save time without sacrificing quality, Tesco remains the go-to stop for a quick and satisfying lunch on the move.