Pret A Manger Elevates Lunch Options with New Premium Salad Range Amidst Fierce Office Market Competition

Pret A Manger, a popular chain known for its convenient and fresh offerings, has introduced a new line of “Super Plates,” featuring four premium salads with price points reaching up to £12.95. The company asserts that these salads are “competitively priced” and represent a strategic move to cater to the evolving demands of office workers seeking more substantial and nutrient-dense lunch options. These new additions are reportedly nearly 60% larger than Pret’s existing salad selections and are distinguished by the inclusion of high-quality ingredients, such as kale that has been “hand massaged” for enhanced texture and flavor.

A spokesperson for Pret highlighted that the launch is a direct response to a growing customer desire for larger, more nutritious meal choices, especially as more employees transition back to office environments. This initiative comes at a time when the lunchtime market has become increasingly competitive, with many businesses encouraging or requiring staff to return to their workplaces after periods of remote work prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The most premium offering in the new range is the Miso Salmon Super Plate, priced at £12.95. Pret’s decision to introduce these higher-priced items reflects what they describe as a “shift in customer habits,” with workers increasingly willing to treat themselves to more substantial and satisfying lunches on days they are in the office. This aligns with a broader trend observed in the food service industry, where premiumization and healthier options are gaining traction among urban professionals.

Pret faced considerable customer reaction last year due to significant alterations to its popular subscription service. Initially offering up to five coffees daily for a £30 monthly fee, the company revised this to a maximum of five half-price coffees per month for £5. Furthermore, Pret discontinued its 20% food discount, citing discomfort with dual pricing structures for its food items.

In the competitive landscape, Pret faces strong opposition from rivals like Greggs, which has consistently ranked as a top dining brand in the UK. Statista data from 2025 identified Greggs as the most popular dining brand and the second strongest brand overall in 2024. Other key competitors in the premium salad and lunch sector include brands such as Atis, Farmer J, and Salad Project, which have already established a strong presence by focusing on health-conscious, high-quality meals tailored for city workers.

The new “Super Plates” are currently available in over 250 Pret locations across major UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Manchester, signaling a focused effort to capture a significant share of the revitalized office lunch market.