The best sandwich meal deals, tried and tested by the GHI

Score: 86/100

Morrisons takes the crown for the best supermarket meal deal, with both its meat and vegetarian sandwich options impressing across the board.

The Best Chicken Caesar Sandwich was just that; boasting succulent chicken enveloped in a rich, peppery mayo, while the lettuce remained crunchy, and the bread soft – no mean feat for a pre-prepared sarnie. Testers also loved the Cauliflower Coronation Wrap, praising the flavourful sauce and satisfying texture of the cauliflower and chickpea combo.

Of the sweet treats on offer, the caramel crispy was a stand-out, striking the perfect salty-sweet balance with caramel, fudge pieces and a generous milk chocolate topping, while the flapjack was a classic, buttery bake with a moreish golden syrup and real oats in every bite. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly lunch option, beeline for Morrisons.

Score: 83/100

Waitrose wowed with its plant-based take on a peking classic; vegan protein is coated in a five-spice hoisin sauce and generously piled inside a soft spinach wrap, while the addition of pickled cabbage, spring onion and ginger slaw brings freshness and zing.

Carnivores shouldn’t despair, though, because the meatier option scored equally highly, thanks to its flavourful filling of shredded beef, sweet caramelised onion, and soft, onion-laced bloomer. Other highlights included the veggie samosa (which was packed with well-seasoned, crunchy veg, without any residual oiliness), and the freshly-squeezed orange juice, which they deemed “super refreshing” for a summer's day.

Score: 81/100

Loved across the nation since 1951 – and with good reason, too – Greggs’ meal deal offering is as classic as they come. Traditionalists will love the cheese ploughman's – which is generously packed with fresh salad, crisp tomatoes, tangy pickle and mature cheddar cheese – while the ham and cheese baguette is a no-nonsense, nostalgic option using quality produce (great for little ones on the go).

Testers enjoyed the raspberry lemonade, which boasts an authentic raspberry flavour, without tasting too cloying or artificial, but you could always opt for a hot drink – including cappuccinos and freshly-brewed cuppas – instead.

Score: 80/100

Instead of following a set meal deal format, Aldi allows you to pick and choose from its range of ready-to-eat sandwiches, snacks and drinks as you please (costing around £4.43 on average).

The star of our selection was the ham hock bloomer, thanks to the flavoursome pairing of shredded ham hock, punchy mature cheddar and a subtly spiced pear and apple chutney. Aldi’s extensive snack offering means there’s something for everyone at lunchtime – whether you’re craving sweet or savoury – and the number of innovative, health-focused drinks (we’re talking turmeric gut shots and smoothies) is impressive to see at such an affordable price point.

Score: 79/100

Tesco was another supermarket to steal the show with its plant-based selection; the soft carrot and coriander wrap was generously filled with “authentic, well-seasoned falafel” and complemented by sweet mango chutney, creamy hummus and fresh spinach.

The sausage, bacon, and egg sandwich is generously filled – our testers gave it high praise for the rich, slightly smoky sausages in particular. And while the snacks were simple (we’re talking classic Walkers crisps, popcorn, KitKats etc.), they certainly hit the spot, adding interest to your lunch (be it al fresco… or al desko).

Score: 77/100

The Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference New Yorker sandwich is a great ready-to-eat version of the stateside classic. Think: peppery pastrami, nutty Emmental, mustard mayo, spinach and a scattering of gherkins nestled between thick slices of dark rye. A winning lunch, that’s for sure.

The ploughman’s followed suit when it came to delivering full-on flavour, with wedges of Red Leicester, tomato and the perennially popular Branston pickle, though some testers found the lettuce lacked crunch. There’s also a whole host of healthier snacks to choose from at Sainsbury’s – including fruit pots and carrots with hummus – making it a great go-to if you’re after something lighter come lunchtime.

Score: 77/100

Home to the OG bargain meal deal, Boots has lots of premium brands to choose from when it comes to snacks – including Deliciously Ella, Nakd and By Harriet – making the £3.99 price tag a real steal.

Our panel loved the trio of chicken sandwiches, praising the “smoky, charred bacon” and “umami, herb-forward flavour” of the stuffing. Rounded off with a decadent cookie dough brownie to curb that 4pm slump, it’s a great option if you’re after variety without breaking the bank.

Score: 73/100

ASDA’s meal deal works a little differently to the rest; simply select your main, snack and drink, and receive your cheapest item free. There are plenty of tempting options to choose from, including wraps, sandwiches and pasta salads (so, if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to make sure you dedicate enough of your lunch break for browsing).

We opted for the chicken and mozzarella sandwich, which was crammed with succulent chicken, mozzarella, mayonnaise, smoky tomato chutney and pickles, which, though unexpected, helped cut through the creamy cheese and added real bite. Testers were also impressed by the buttery flapjack and moreish veggie gyozas with a tangy ponzu dip, too. At £3.50, you can’t go wrong.