Valentine’s Day Meal Deals: Tesco, Aldi, M&S, Lidl, Co-op Tested—Unexpected Winner Revealed
The quest for the best Valentine’s Day meal deals from UK supermarkets has become an annual tradition. In 2026, five major retailers were assessed to determine which offered the finest balance of taste and value.
Valentine’s Day Meal Deals Tested
Leading the pack were Co-op, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, and Marks & Spencer. Each supermarket introduced enticing packages designed for couples looking to celebrate without dining out. The meals generally included a main course, starter, sides, dessert, and drink options.
Co-op: Exceptional Value
Co-op presented a standout Valentine’s deal at just £10 for Co-op members. This package featured a main, two sides, and a bottle of prosecco. The meal included a vintage cheddar macaroni and cheese, a fresh salad, and garlic flatbread. This combination proved delicious and satisfying. Customers experienced a saving of £11.60 with this offer.
Tesco: Quantity Over Everything
At Tesco, the Valentine’s Day deal was priced at £20 for an extensive selection. This offer included a starter, main course, two sides, dessert, and a drink. Among the highlights were the Barber’s Vintage Cheddar tarts and Marry Me Chicken Kievs served with triple-cooked chips. Overall, shoppers saved £7.70 when choosing this robust package.
Lidl: A Mixed Offering
Lidl’s approach differed; it was not a traditional meal deal but rather a selection of individual items. The available choices included mussels in prosecco sauce, arancini, a vegetable side, and raspberry chocolate pots. While the arancini was appreciated, other items failed to impress, leading to disappointment. The total cost for these items was approximately £8.25.
Aldi: Decent but Lacking
Aldi also offered a selection rather than a set meal deal. Highlights included black cod with miso glaze and cheddar mash. While the mash was praised, the cod’s texture faced criticism. Overall, this set cost £10.06, but it may not have been worth it for some diners.
Marks & Spencer: Premium Experience
Marks & Spencer’s Valentine’s Day package was the most premium, priced at £25. It included dim sum flowers, salmon and prawn en croute, rosemary potatoes, and a dessert with wine. While it received high marks for quality and presentation, it notably lacked vegetarian and seafood options. Shoppers benefited from a saving of £13.50.
Overall Verdict
Of the five supermarkets, Tesco provided the most food for the price, while Marks & Spencer delivered exceptional quality. Surprisingly, Co-op emerged as the unexpected winner, blending affordability with high-quality meals. Their mac and cheese was especially highlighted as a must-try for pasta enthusiasts.
- Co-op: £10 – Total Saving: £11.60
- Tesco: £20 – Total Saving: £7.70
- Lidl: £8.25 – No clear saving
- Aldi: £10.06 – No clear saving
- Marks & Spencer: £25 – Total Saving: £13.50
These Valentine’s meal deals demonstrate how British supermarkets compete to capture the hearts and appetites of shoppers looking for a romantic night in.
