The ultimate British meal deal: The 5 best combinations of mains, snacks and drinks, according to AI – so, do you agree with the selections?
Forget fish and chips or sausage, mash and gravy: when it comes to British lunches, it’s the meal deal that reigns supreme.
According to the latest figures, ‘meal deal mania’ is at an all-time high in Britain, with more than a third of Brits indulging in the offer at least once a week.
But with thousands of possible combinations of mains, sides and drinks, one important question remains: what is the ultimate British meal deal?
To answer this burning question, MailOnline turned to the AI chatbot ChatGPT, which provided a list of five top combinations.
So, do you agree with the selection of meal deals?
With thousands of possible combinations of mains, sides and drinks, one important question remains: what is the ultimate British meal deal? To answer this burning question, MailOnline turned to AI chatbot ChatGPT, which provided a list of five top combinations
The meal deal dates back to the 1980s, when Boots was the first flagship to offer pre-packed sandwiches alongside a snack and drink.
In the decades since, the meal deal has become a regular part of many Brits’ diets, with outlets such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Amazon Fresh and ASDA all now offering options.
Most meal deals include a main course, snack and drink for around £3.50.
To help you with your next meal deal, we asked ChatGPT for the best combination.
Within seconds, the bot revealed its top five combinations, albeit with an important caveat.
‘The best combination of UK meal deals often comes down to personal preference, but there are some popular and highly recommended combinations that people often enjoy,’ the report said.
At the top of the list is what ChatGPT calls the ‘Classic Combo’.
This includes a BLT Sandwich as a main course, accompanied by Walkers Cheese and Onion Chips, and a Coca-Cola.
The ‘Healthy Option’ includes a Chicken Caesar Wrap, a Jar of Fresh Fruit and an Innocent Smoothie.
Those of you hoping to eat less meat will be pleased to hear that a ‘Vegetarian Choice’ has been included in the top five.
A wrap with falafel and hummus is combined with Graze Veggie Protein Power and a bottle of water or fruit juice.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for “Comfort Food,” ChatGPT recommends choosing a ham and cheese sandwich with McCoy’s Salt & Vinegar Chips and Ribena Blackcurrant.
Finally, the ‘Gourmet Pick’ includes a shrimp mayonnaise sandwich with kettle chips, sea salt and balsamic vinegar, and a San Pellegrino Limonata.
The meal deal has become a regular part of many Brits’ diets, with outlets such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Amazon Fresh and ASDA all now offering options
“These combinations reflect a mix of classic British flavours, popular snacks and drinks that complement the main meal,” the bot added.
‘Depending on where you get your meal deal from (e.g. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots), the specific items available may vary, but these general types can be found in different stores everywhere.’
The meal deal picks come shortly after ChatGPT ranked the best chips in Britain.
According to the AI bot, walkers (also known as Lay’s) are at the top of the list.
“A classic and widely available brand with a variety of flavors including Ready Salted, Cheese & Onion, Salt & Vinegar and more,” the bot said.
Tyrrells comes next, followed by Kettle Chips, which according to ChatGPT are ‘famous for their thick-cut, crispy chips’.
Despite technically being tortilla chips, Doritos are fourth on the list, followed closely by Pringles.
“The best combination of UK meal deals often comes down to personal preference, but there are some popular and highly recommended combinations that people enjoy,” ChatGPT said
“Although not strictly crisps in the traditional sense, Pringles are hugely popular in Britain with flavors such as Sour Cream & Onion, Original, Salt & Vinegar and Paprika,” ChatGPT noted.
Seabrook comes in sixth place, ahead of Hula Hoops and Monster Munch.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT has given Sensations by Walkers its own ranking, putting them at ninth place on the list.
“It offers a range of more exotic flavors inspired by world cuisines such as Thai sweet chili, Japanese teriyaki chicken and Mexican fiery sweet chipotle,” it explained.
Finally, the list is completed by McCoys, which was praised by ChatGPT for their ‘ribbed chips and strong flavours’.