Tim Tam UK launch : Brits are fuming after a major supermarket chain unveiled a new twist on an iconic Australian favourite.
Tesco, which operates nearly 3,000 stores across the UK, has stirred controversy by adding the legendary Tim Tam bar to its popular “meal deal” promotion — this time in a new “world-first” twin pack.
The classic meal deal allows shoppers to pick a main item, like a sandwich, along with a snack such as crisps or biscuits, plus a drink, all for a set price.
Once considered a proud British lunchtime tradition, the beloved meal deal has now sparked debate online as the Aussie treat’s inclusion divides opinions among loyal fans.
Brits Outraged as Tesco Adds Iconic Aussie Tim Tams to Its Popular Meal Deal
Some critics argue that the Arnott’s-made chocolate biscuit is “inferior” to the UK’s beloved Penguin bar — a long-standing rival often compared to the Tim Tam.
Tim Tams are awful, Penguins are far better,” complained one frustrated Briton on TikTok after hearing the news.
We don’t want that Aussie rubbish invading our meal deals,” another angry user declared.
However, Australians and New Zealanders responded with far more enthusiasm.
PSA to all Kiwis and Aussies in the UK — Tim Tams are now part of Tesco’s meal deal snacks!” one excited expat shared.
Penguin vs Tim Tam – The Great Biscuit Debate
An Aussie treasure in a meal deal — my day is made,” one delighted fan commented.
A video posted on the official Tim Tam UK Instagram page shows a shopper purchasing the chocolate biscuit at a self-service checkout, paired with a Brie and Cranberry sandwich and a ready-to-drink iced cappuccino.
The total cost of the meal came to £4.24, roughly equivalent to $8.50.
Fans Celebrate as Tim Tam Becomes a Tesco Meal Deal Treat
Interestingly, the new on-the-go Tim Tam is available exclusively in the UK. According to the brand’s market development manager, this launch follows the biscuit’s successful debut across the pond in 2024.
Since launching last year, Tim Tam has become hugely popular in the UK, and there’s been strong demand for a convenient, on-the-go version,” Amber Dutkiewicz told Retail Times.
We’re thrilled to introduce a travel-friendly, snack-sized twin pack that’s also featured in the iconic Tesco Meal Deal.
In addition to being part of the meal deal, the Tim Tam Twin Pack Original can be purchased separately for £1 (around $2).
A big part of the meal deal’s charm lies in its mix-and-match flexibility, as customers hunt for the best value combinations. The tradition is now so embedded in British culture that one in three Britons grabs a meal deal for lunch daily — with tourists even adding it to their UK bucket lists.
Exclusive UK Launch of Tim Tam On-the-Go Pack
The meal deal news follows a recent ruling that Penguin bars — produced by British snack brand McVitie’s — can no longer be officially classified as chocolate due to reduced cocoa content.
The product is now labelled as “chocolate flavour” after recipe changes were made to cut costs amid soaring global cocoa prices.
Meanwhile, in a nod to the UK’s famous meal deal culture, Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has unveiled two new festive sandwiches inspired by the beloved British lunchtime tradition.
Priced at $8.50, the British-inspired sandwiches are available exclusively at Woolworths Metro stores across New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, and Victoria.
The limited-edition range features two festive flavours — Turkey Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce, and Christmas Ham, Cheese & Balsamic Chutney.
Why wait until Christmas Day? We wanted to offer customers a fun and convenient way to enjoy those classic holiday flavours right now,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
In collaboration with a local supplier, our team combined rich, nostalgic ingredients — from tender turkey and stuffing to savoury ham and chutney — to create a delicious lunchtime nod to the UK’s iconic meal deal tradition.
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