The cost of desk lunches has skyrocketed, with salads now costing £15 and baguettes £7. This marks a stark contrast to the days of affordable meal deals, where a sandwich, crisps, and a drink could be had for less than the price of a fancy coffee. The author questions what has driven this change, highlighting the rise of premium salad bowls and the disappearance of the humble, affordable lunch. The article explores the trend of expensive salads and the potential reasons behind it, including the influence of health-conscious trends and the impact of hybrid working on lunch choices. It also delves into the nutritional aspects of these salads, questioning their actual health benefits and the role of portion sizes in contributing to the rising costs. The piece concludes by reflecting on the transformation of lunch culture, where the idea of a normal, affordable lunch has seemingly been replaced by aspirational, oversized, and nutritionally impressive options, raising concerns about the potential drawbacks of this shift.
