What happened when I tried Iceland’s 7 meals for £7 challenge (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
Everyone loves a good deal, particularly in January when the wait for payday seems endless. So discovering an affordable way to eat is a welcome relief in the New Year chill.
Iceland has a range of £1 products and challenged me to undertake the seven meals for £7 challenge, and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised.
Not only were some of these meals quick and convenient, but some of them also tasted fantastic, all for just £1.
With the variety of £1 meals, you can sample global cuisine over a week and be content with lunch or dinner at home. So what’s on offer and what should you steer clear of?
I sampled them all, so here’s a rundown from my least favourite to the best.
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The seven meals for £7 at Iceland (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
Iceland Toad in the Hole – 7/10 (for taste)
The only reason this is last is because I don’t consider it a “meal”. This feels like part of a meal that needs to be accompanied by vegetables and gravy. Which is exactly what I did on a Monday evening with the leftover vegetables from our Sunday roast.
And it was really good. I shared this £1 portion with my husband for our evening meal and the Yorkshire pudding was exactly what you’d want, nice and crispy but also soft and fluffy on the inside,
The sausages were decent too, just your standard cheap sausage, which is not a criticism. You could argue that because my meal used leftover vegetables it was only 50p (split with my husband), but even if you don’t see it that way, it was a very affordable meal.
Iceland Spaghetti Bolognese – 3/10
I’m a fan of a good bolognese, but this one didn’t hit the mark. Despite its generous portion size that could easily fill you up for just £1, the taste was off-putting.
Don’t miss… [ASDA] [MORRISONS] [SAINSBURY’S]
Iceland’s £1 Spaghetti Bolognese (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
It left a harsh, artificial aftertaste. The texture of the spaghetti was acceptable, but the flavour was so off-putting that I couldn’t finish it.
Even with some cheese sprinkled on top, this dish wasn’t for me.
The Iceland Thin Crust Pepperoni scored a 5/10
It’s a decent standard pizza that cooked well. While it could serve as a meal on its own, I’d be more inclined to share it and pair it with chips, coleslaw, and salad on the side. At 50p for half a pizza, it’s a bargain.
Iceland’s £1 fish pie (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
The cheese and pepperoni provided a salty kick, balanced by the sweet tomato sauce. It’s also a great £1 option to keep in the freezer for when kids come over – who doesn’t love pizza?
The Iceland Fish Pie also scored a 5/10
For £1, it’s a decent, filling meal.
It could have used more cheese on top and a bit more seasoning, but for the price, it’s excellent. The pie is substantial, and the sauce is creamy and thick.
Iceland’s £1 Sweet and Sour Chicken and Rice (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
The fish is somewhat bland, and mashed potatoes on top would have been a nice addition, but that would increase the cost beyond the £1 price point. A sprinkle of cheese on top and a side of your favourite veg could easily elevate this budget-friendly staple.
Iceland Sweet and Sour Chicken and Rice – 6/10
I was initially apprehensive about this, having had disappointing experiences with cheap sweet and sour sauces in the past. Often, they can be overly acidic, making them difficult to enjoy – more sour than sweet.
However, this one was surprisingly good. While it’s not the best sweet and sour I’ve ever had, considering its £1 price tag, it deserves a different kind of judgement.
Iceland’s £1 lasagne (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
As a budget-friendly option, it would make an excellent lunch at work. The rice cooked well in the microwave, and there were a decent number of chicken pieces – albeit a bit chewy – and vegetables.
I wouldn’t hesitate to have this again.
Iceland Lasagne – 7/10
I’m a big fan of lasagne and pride myself on making a pretty good one from scratch (yes, including the white sauce), but when you’re pressed for time on a chilly evening, a microwavable version can provide the comfort food fix you need.
For £1, this lasagne does just that. It could have done with more beef and cheese topping, but the bechamel was flavourful and creamy, and the tomato sauce was sweet and well-seasoned.
Iceland’s £1 curry and rice (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
Paired with leftover garlic bread from the previous night’s pasta dinner, I was quite satisfied with my £1 lasagne that was ready in just 11 minutes.
Iceland Chicken Curry and Rice – 8/10
It was incredibly easy to prepare and really tasty.
A quick spin in the microwave, and for just £1, I had a complete meal.
Don’t anticipate authentic Indian flavours, this curry sauce is a delightful blend of chip shop curry and school curry. There’s a nostalgic element to it that enhances the experience.
The portion size and price offer a fair amount of chicken, and there’s a rich sweetness to the flavours that make it satisfying. While I would have loved some vegetables in it and perhaps a bit of butter for seasoning the rice next time, for £1, this could satisfy anyone on their lunch break.
My verdict?
I thoroughly enjoyed this as it demonstrated how I can enjoy globally inspired meals without breaking the bank, and I can stock them in my freezer for days when I don’t feel like cooking or need a quick, hot lunch.
Many of the £1 meals can be enhanced with additions, and I believe some could feed two people with extra ingredients.
Granted, at times you’re aware you’re eating a £1 meal (but it’s £1 for a meal), and none of these are suitable for vegetarians or vegans, which is a problem. However, overall, I was impressed – I just need more freezer space now to stock up!