Sainsbury’s £3 meal deal changes spark fury among customers

The popular lunchtime offer, which gives hungry shoppers a discount when they buy a sandwich, snack and drink together is unrecognisable

Sainsburys has come in for criticism for removing a host of products form its meal deal (Rex)

Sainsbury’s has made a host of changes to its £3 meal deal leaving customers in a mix of emotions ranging from anguish to incandescent rage.

The popular lunchtime offer, which gives hungry shoppers a discount when they buy a sandwich, snack and drink together is no more; it has been re-branded “On The Go”.

Unlike its illustrious predecessor, the new deal does not include the supermarket’s premium Taste the Difference sandwiches. Also axed from the offer are subs, pasta pots and cakes. Those who want much more than egg and cress will have to pay full price.

Sandwich-lovers, understandably, fuming, have taken to Twitter to express their anger and dismay at the changes to their lunchtime staple.

Some shoppers said they would desert the retailer for rivals.

As if to add insult to injury, Sainsbury’s has removed the handy folding forks from its pasta range.

Responding to the social media storm, Sainsbury’s said: “We’ve invested in the quality of our salads, sushi and sandwiches, we’ve looked at every ingredient to make our range taste better, look fresher and give customers more choice, whether that’s gluten free or vegetarian lines, or adding new protein pots or porridge!

“We’re also including 14 new ambient snacking lines, all at 50p and under 150 calories each, tapping into the healthy snacking trend.

“There's been significant quality investment with new lines and improved originals, we’ve changed the bread for all our sandwiches - it’s much softer and stays fresh for longer!

“We’ve sourced better quality ingredients that we know our customers love – more succulent chicken, maple cured bacon, crispier lettuce and more flavoursome tomatoes.

“We are putting more of these delicious ingredients into the sandwich.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told the Mirror: “We’re making some changes to what’s on the lunchtime menu at Sainsbury’s and, as part of this, we’ve reviewed our meal deal.

“This is in line with our strategy to phase out multibuys across the store in favour of simpler prices. There’s still plenty of choice though – as the Meal Deal still offers over 115,000 lunchtime combinations.

“We can also reassure customers that if their favourite lunch item is no longer part of the deal, they can still expect great value with a lower, regular price.”