Boots shoppers 'feel sick' over unexpected £4.99 charge - and it's pricier than Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's

For years, high street giant Boots has been a favourite amongst shoppers looking for a cheap lunch. Thanks to its brilliant £3.49 value for items like sushi, salads, Lindt and Innocent smoothies, the Boots meal deal has reached icon status with Brits.

But Boots has found itself in hot water with shoppers after they noticed how much it now costs. For the second time this year, Boots has increased the price of its meal deal.

The high street pharmacy chain has increased the standard price of its meal deal from £3.59 to £3.99, and from £4.19 to £4.99 in London.

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It means some customers are paying 40p more in the majority of stores, or 80p more - and a 19% increase - if they're in the capital city. Shoppers who are signed up to the Boots Advantage Card loyalty scheme will get a discount.

Brits have been reacting with outrage to the increase. In a post on Twitter, one said: "Boots [sic] meal deal is now £4.99. I feel sick."

Another said: "Btw did we all notice that the price of a Boots meal deal went up to £3.99? That's it for me I'm afraid. Fully in my packed lunch era."

A third tweeted: "Boots meal deal up again, now £4.50." A fourth slammed: "Boots putting their meal deal to £4 has proper p*ssed me off."

The price of Boots' meal deal went up a the start of this month. It is the second time the retailer has increased its lunch combo this year, having last upped the cost in March. The meal deal - which includes a main, snack and drink - cost £3.59 at the start of this year, or £4.19 in London.

A spokesperson from Boots said shoppers can still save up to £4.39 outside of London and £3.30 inside the city.

They added: "The price