The Tesco meal deal has cemented itself as a cornerstone of British culture. Nearly all of us have a tried-and-tested combination of main, snack, and drink, and while we might occasionally switch things up, we inevitably return to our firm favourites. With options to satisfy virtually everyone, it remains a relatively affordable solution for a swift lunchtime bite.

However, Tesco shoppers online have recently uncovered a crucial piece of information about the meal deal snack selection that could completely transform your lunchtime habits. While most of us automatically reach for a bag of crisps or a chocolate bar, it turns out there's a far superior option that most people had no idea was included in the deal.

In a post on the Meal Deal Rates forum on Reddit, one shopper shared a photo of their selection, captioning it: "Ice cream to celebrate the end of winter."

They thought nothing of their post when they shared the image of a chicken club sandwich, an iced coffee, and a classic chocolate Magnum, but commenters were gobsmacked - as they had no idea you could get an ice cream as your snack.

One stunned user exclaimed in full capitals: "ICE CREAMS ARE PART OF MEAL DEALS?"

To which the original poster responded: "They are indeed! Unfortunately, they've taken Soleros out of that offer from what I've seen."

Based on a TikTok video posted last year, all individual ice creams in the ice cream freezer should qualify for the meal deal, including different Magnum varieties, as well as Feasts, Twisters, and Oreo ice cream sandwiches. Though, as the Reddit user pointed out, some ice creams might not be included, so check for the yellow meal deal sticker to be certain.

Other people commenting on the Reddit thread were just as shocked to learn that ice creams count as part of the meal deal, with plenty calling it a "10/10" snack and giving the poster's overall meal deal top marks.

One user commented: "I didn't even realise ice cream sides were a thing! Love it!"

Another remarked: "Man, this changes the game! Magnum in a meal deal?"

A third responded: "Ice cream in a meal deal? If this is true, I've been lied to my whole life. Also, approved meal deal. Chicken club is a solid base choice, and I prefer my coffee hot, but what do I know? I didn't even know ice creams were part of a meal deal."

But others weren't sold on the unusual snack choice. Some highlighted that if you're grabbing lunch on the move, you probably won't have a freezer to hand. That means by the time you've finished your sandwich or other main item, your ice cream will have begun to melt - particularly during summer.

One person commented: "Getting an ice cream as a side feels unhinged somehow, but I'm not knocking it. Nice sandwich, decent drink."

In response, another said: "I think the difficulty is often with a meal deal, you don't have access to a freezer after purchasing it, so you would need to eat it first."