YOUR favourite treat could be banned from supermarket meal deals in a part of the UK as MPs vote on unhealthy food rules
Some items could be banned in Wales in a bid to tackle obesity.
But some argue it will “hit the poorest people in their pockets.”
It comes after The Senedd (Welsh parliament) voted on Tuesday to restrict meal deals and other multi-buy offers in Wales.
The ban will see certain calorific options axed from meal deal shelves in supermarkets, such as some crisps, fizzy drinks and chocolate.
Restaurants and businesses with more than 50 employees will also be banned from offering free refills and top-ups of sugary drinks.
The guidelines for 2025 look to tackle obesity by restricting “promotions that encourage over-consumption.”
Concern was sparked among MPs when the latest figures from the National Survey for Wales revealed that 62% of under 16s are obese.
However many were divided on the ruling – with the bid backed only 25 votes to 24.
Eating disorder charities have previously warned that the limit would make it harder for people on prescribed meal plans.
Jo Whitfield, the Welsh national officer of charity BEAT, told Sky News that people with eating disorders risk “becoming more unwell if they try and reduce the amount of calories they are eating.”
Meanwhile, The Welsh Conservatives called the legislation “nanny state nonsense”.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”TOP TESCO BUYS” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6357429534112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Instead they stressed that the Senedd should be “encouraging more people to get active” with extra school sports.
And concerning to many, the new ruling could “hit the poorest people in their pockets” – as their shadow health secretary James Evans pointed out.
Meal deals are a popular budget option, starting at around £3 for a main, snack and drink.
By placing limits on multi-buy options, many think the legislation targets low-income earners.
And without the option to include a treat in the meal deal, some shoppers will need to buy their desired snack separately – ironically adding on the calories as well as cost.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D110431%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]WHAT IS THE UK’S CHEAPEST MEAL DEAL?
Meal deals are a cost-friendly option when you’re on the go or have forgotten to pack lunch.
The iconic Tesco meal deal is currently £3.60 with a Clubcard or £4 without.
However last year it was £3.40 with a Clubcard, and in 2022 it was just £3.
With skyrocketing grocery inflation, Tesco said its meal deal still represented “great value”.
However it is no longer the best on the market – with competitors like Boots and Morrisons matching prices.
At Boots you can also get a meal deal for £3.60 with an Advantage Card.
Meanwhile Morrisons is even cheaper than Tesco – set at £3.50.
The Co-op meal deal is also just £3.50 for members, or £4 for non-members.
Arguably taking the trophy is Asda, where you can get the cheapest of three items across its food-to-go range for free.
To make the most of meal deals and similar discounts, it helps to sign up to free loyalty schemes.
We reveal the best loyalty schemes and how to get freebies here.