**Meal Deal Enthusiast Names Tesco’s Best Value Lunch After Sampling Over 500 Varieties**
A food influencer from Brighton has spent nearly £2,000 and tried more than 500 different Tesco meal deal combinations, all in pursuit of discovering the ultimate lunchtime combination. Nirvan Barua, better known to his followers as Niv, began his culinary exploration of meal deals during his time working at Tesco amid the pandemic – a hobby that has since grown into a full-blown obsession with viral popularity.
Niv, aged 25, estimates that he has trialled over 500 variations out of the staggering two million possible combinations offered by Tesco’s meal deal selection. He now works full time as an influencer, boasting a loyal following of over 300,000 on TikTok. His passion for reviewing the popular lunchtime offer – which bundles a main, a snack, and a drink at one set price – has garnered a cult audience who eagerly await his verdicts and recommendations.
“The meal deal is a staple of British lunch culture. It’s quick, affordable for most, and there’s an appeal in not having to agonise over too many choices,” Niv told reporters. However, he noted that recent price increases have made the deals less of a bargain over time: “Prices have risen faster than inflation, which is disappointing for regular shoppers. And I wish there were more generous fruit portions available.”
Despite the growing menu, some combinations stand out for their value and taste. Niv recommends opting for a triple sandwich, such as the all-day breakfast or classic club, as these typically offer the most for your money – both in portion size and satisfaction. For those looking to splurge, the Tesco £5 sushi box is touted as the ultimate filling choice that remains within a modest budget.
“Going for a triple sandwich instead of a standard two-filling one, and combining that with a hearty side like a sausage roll instead of just crisps, maximises the value,” he explained. In terms of drinks, Niv suggests reaching for a full-sugar cola to keep energy levels up through the day. According to him, his own favourite combination – the all-day breakfast triple, sausage roll, and cola – also reflects the tastes of the wider public.
Not every item gets his seal of approval, however. Plain ham sandwiches, egg and cress, and the cheese triple earned the dubious honour of being among his least favourite options. He argues that choosing such plain items offers little satisfaction or value for money, questioning why shoppers would settle for a less flavoursome experience.
As meal deals have grown in popularity, supermarkets like Tesco have had to recruit more staff during busy lunch hours to manage surges in demand. Niv observes that these deals remain most popular with tradespeople and secondary-school pupils, highlighting their enduring role in daily British life.
Niv’s profile rose recently when he appeared on Channel 4’s programme *Meal Deals: Behind the Bargain*, presented by Joe Swash. The show delved into Britain’s fascination with the lunchtime combo by speaking to influencers like Niv and those behind the deals at major supermarkets. During a segment, Niv expressed his surprise at Swash’s own favourite meal deal— a ham sandwich with ready salted crisps and water—describing it as “diabolical” and lacking in excitement.
“People’s meal deal choices can really say something about their personalities,” Niv mused. He believes those who gravitate towards ample, hearty options are “embracing all life has to offer”, while shoppers who stick to basic sandwiches and water opt for safety and simplicity.
To help the undecided, Niv has shared his current top three picks: an all-day breakfast triple with a sausage roll and full-sugar cola; a chicken Caesar wrap, scotch egg and a protein shake; and sushi with a fruit pot and smoothie. At the other end of the scale, he advises steering clear of the ham, egg and cress, or cheese sandwich, especially if paired with ready salted crisps or boiled eggs and a bottle of water.
Niv concludes that, even after reviewing hundreds of combinations, the humble Tesco meal deal remains a beloved fixture in British lunchtime routines—despite rising prices and minor gripes about portion sizes. As his online community continues to grow, the debate over the nation’s best meal deal is likely to endure.