Co-op cuts meal deal costs for members, but if you don't have a loyalty card you'll pay more - here's how it compares

The convenience chain only upped the price of its meal deal, which typically includes a sandwich or wrap, snack and drink, in February from £3.50 to £3.75 for all shoppers. But now members and non-members will be charged differently (though students can still get 10% off with a valid TOTUM card, the student discount card). 

To get around the increased cost, you now need to sign-up to Co-op's free loyalty scheme by creating an account online. There's a £1 joining fee, which Co-op says is to cover the cost of having a share in the company as it's owned by its members, but it comes with benefits including personalised discounts, plus you earn 2p for every £1 spent on Co-op branded products, which can then be spent in Co-op. 

For help cutting grocery costs, see our Loyalty points boosting guide, our How to get free or cheap food guide, and our Supermarket shopping tips.

How Co-op's meal deal prices compare

Co-op isn't the only retailer to have increased meal deal costs.  Morrisons last week upped its meal deal prices by 50p from £3 to £3.50. In March, Boots increased prices from £3.39 to £3.59 outside of London, and from £3.99 to £4.19 in London. Meanwhile,  Tesco increased costs from £3 to £3.50, also in February - but only for those who don't have a Clubcard.

See the table below for a full round-up.