Greggs fans are expressing their fury after the bakery chain raised prices on its meal deals, making them more expensive than those at Waitrose. The Big Deal, introduced in September 2025, has increased from £5 to £5.25 for a main, side, and drink. In comparison, Waitrose’s lunch meal deal remains at £5 for a main, snack, and drink.
Price Hikes Across the Menu
The breakfast deal, which includes a pastry and a hot drink, has risen by 10p to £2.95. The standard lunch meal deal has gone up from £4 to £4.25. This marks the second price increase in 12 months for these deals. Sausage rolls also saw a 5p rise in January, now costing £1.35.
CEO’s Assurance and Warning
Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, stated that no further price increases are planned for the rest of 2026. However, she cautioned that the Middle East conflict could lead to rapid changes. “We don’t believe we need to put any other pricing through for the rest of the year,” Currie said. “But because we have hedged, we’ve got forward cover on commodities, we’re covered quite significantly in energy this year, and some of next year, then we’re feeling comfortable where we are just now. But I guess we’ll just have to continue to watch that data.” She emphasized the importance of value for customers during times of low consumer confidence.
Customer Backlash
Despite the CEO’s comments, customers have taken to social media to vent their frustration. On Reddit, users described the price hike as “silly,” “sneaky,” and “a joke.” One user, u/scseven, wrote, “Where’s the deal in this? I love Greggs, but OMG.” Another, u/Academic_Lake5729, commented, “Pushing yourself out of the fiver range, even if only by a little bit, when the meal deal space is so competitive, will only make people go elsewhere.” Some Londoners reported paying over £6 for the Big Deal in areas like Canary Wharf, with upgrades to large drinks pushing the cost to £6.75.
Comparison with Waitrose Meal Deals
The most expensive items in Greggs’ meal deal include the Roast Chicken & Honey Mustard Mayo Oval Bite (£4.20), Mozzarella & Cheddar Bites (£2.80), and a regular Caramel Latte (£3). Individually, these cost £10, but the meal deal is £5.25. At Waitrose, the priciest main is the GLO Hot Smoked Salmon & Rice Salad (£4.85), with Taiko Chicken Katsu Bites (£2.70) as a side and a Red Bull (£3.15) as a drink, totaling £10.70 individually but only £5 in the meal deal.
Other Food News
Lidl has also faced criticism for changes to its loyalty scheme. The new Lidl Plus Points system awards one point per £1 spent, with points redeemable for coupons worth 1p each. Shoppers have called the changes a “slap in the face” and threatened to shop elsewhere.
