Tesco has raised the price of its meal deal as food costs soar. The sandwich, snack and drink deal will increase to £3.40 for Tesco Clubcard members after more than 10 years being priced at £3. It will go from £3.50 to £3.90 for those without a loyalty card. Food prices are rising at their fastest rate in 42 years, squeezing household budgets and driving grocery inflation to 14.6% in the 12 months to September. Tesco said its meal deal still represented "great value". The supermarket said more than 70% of its customers currently use a Clubcard, which is a free card that gives customers discounts. Companies are facing increased costs for things like fuel, wages and ingredients, and many firms are now passing those on to customers by raising prices. A BBC survey has uncovered growing concern about the squeeze on finances. Some 85% of those asked are now worried about the rising cost of living, up from 69% in a similar poll in January. As a result, nine in 10 people are trying to save money by delaying putting the heating on and three in five people in the UK will cut back this Christmas.
