They are a cheap and popular lunchtime choice for thousands of people every day.

But ‘meal deals’ could soon be targeted as part of a new healthy eating crackdown in Scotland.

Fears have been raised that the cut-price combo deals – which typically involve a main item, a snack and a drink sold together at a discounted price – are fuelling the country’s obesity crisis.

And now the SNP government’s food agency is exploring how many meal deals are eaten every day, who is buying them and how much they cost. Crucially, it is also analysing the deals in terms of calories, fat, salt and sugar.

The research is being undertaken to ‘gather evidence’ to inform ‘policy development’ – which could ultimately spell the end for classic deals such as a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, crisps and a Coke. 

Food Standards Scotland has confirmed it is currently seeking ‘data and insights on the purchase, composition and nutritional content of “meal deals” in Scotland’.

Chief nutritionist Dr Gillian Purdon explained: ‘It’s difficult to eat well when our food environment encourages the opposite. From the constant availability of less healthy options, to tempting offers and promotion, the food environment influences our food choices and makes it harder to buy and eat healthy food.’

From October 1, regulations come into force in Scotland which restrict the promotion of ‘unhealthy’ HFSS foods, which are high in fat, salt and sugar.

Multi-buy offers of HFSS foods will be banned, as will any free refills of sugary soft drinks, while new rules will mean sweets and snacks cannot be so prominently displayed in larger shops.

It is part of an attempt to improve health – as around two thirds of Scots adults and around a third of children are currently overweight or obese. When the rules were first drawn up in 2024, the Scottish Government was keen to include meal deals in the crackdown.

Ministers suggested options such as banning HFSS foods from meal deals or allowing only one HFSS item per deal.

However, in June last year – after a backlash from retailers – meal deals were dropped from the new regulations.

But with Food Standards Scotland now launching its research project, it seems that a crackdown could once again be considered.

The Scottish Grocers Federation has warned that any new attempt to restrict meal deals would punish hungry shoppers.

Luke McGarty, the federation’s head of policy and public affairs, said: ‘Discounted meals in local shops help provide an affordable lunch for busy customers, often with a range of options for sugar free, fat free and healthy snacks and treats.’

Last night, the Scottish Government would only say it had no ‘current’ plans to regulate meal deals.

Food Standards Scotland said that meal deals had been dropped from the latest HFSS regulations because of ‘insufficient evidence to support their inclusion’ – but that its research would shine new light on the issue.