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HALVING A LAUGH

Dinner for two? Our test shows which supermarket meals are coming up short

SALAD fans got a shock this week when they learned that many pre-prepared M&S foods that look like a healthy portion are actually tagged to feed TWO.

Labels on containers as small as 180g were said to contain two servings, meaning the calories and fat stated on the packet are double if you eat the whole thing.

Dinner for two? Our test shows which supermarket meals are coming up short
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Dinner for two? Our test shows which supermarket meals are coming up shortCredit: Louis Wood

Here, Laura Stott gives scores out of five for what the store portion sizes actually look like.

  • RDA percentage based on daily guidelines (2,000kcal/70g fat)

Deluxe Spinach & Pine Nut Pasta 215g, Lidl, £1.59

215g, Lidl, £1.59. Per serving (half pack) – 245 kcal (12.25%) 11.1g fat (15.85%)
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215g, Lidl, £1.59. Per serving (half pack) – 245 kcal (12.25%) 11.1g fat (15.85%)Credit: Louis Wood
With only half on a plate it’s a meagre amount
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With only half on a plate it’s a meagre amountCredit: Louis Wood

THESE tasty pasta spirals in a basil dressing with pine nuts and regato cheese at Lidl looks like a perfect portion for one.

However you should be saving some for later, or sharing with a friend.

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With only half on a plate it’s a meagre amount, and you’ll soon be peckish afterwards.

Score: 3/5.

Potato & Onion Tortilla 200g

Aldi, £1.99. Per serving (half pack) – 117 kcal (7%) 7.3g fat (10%)
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Aldi, £1.99. Per serving (half pack) – 117 kcal (7%) 7.3g fat (10%)Credit: Louis Wood
When split in two, this teeny omelette is not very substantial
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When split in two, this teeny omelette is not very substantialCredit: Louis Wood

THE petite Spanish-style tortilla looks to be a nice change from a sarnie for lunch, or perhaps an evening meal with some salad and chips.

But when split in two, this teeny omelette is not very substantial and I doubt it would satisfy anyone as a meal.

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Score: 3/5.

Juicy Watermelon & Feta Salad 190g

M&S, £2.70. Per serving (half pack) – 35kcal (2%) 1.3g fat (2%)
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M&S, £2.70. Per serving (half pack) – 35kcal (2%) 1.3g fat (2%)Credit: Louis Wood
The salad is barely even a starter when split into two
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The salad is barely even a starter when split into twoCredit: Louis Wood

DELICIOUS vibrant watermelon, fresh mint, diced cucumber and squares of feta – but a half-serving of this tiny 180g pot for two amounts to just five cubes of watermelon, some cucumber and three squares of feta.

Barely even a starter.

Score: 1/5.

Super Wholefood Salad 200g

M&S, £2.70. Per serving (half pack) – 165 kcal (8%) 8.7g fat (12%)
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M&S, £2.70. Per serving (half pack) – 165 kcal (8%) 8.7g fat (12%)Credit: Louis Wood
If you devour the lot it makes the fat content almost a quarter of an adult’s  suggested RDA
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If you devour the lot it makes the fat content almost a quarter of an adult’s  suggested RDACredit: Louis Wood

A WHOLESOME-looking salad packed with healthy-sounding ingredients – and the nutritional breakdown on the front doesn’t sound bad at 165kcal and 8.7g fat.

But if you devour the lot it makes the fat content almost a quarter of an adult’s  suggested RDA.

Score: 2/5.

Taste Shack Crispy Chicken Pops 125g

Tesco, £3. Per serving (half pack) – 147 kcal (7%), 7g fat (10%)
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Tesco, £3. Per serving (half pack) – 147 kcal (7%), 7g fat (10%)Credit: Louis Wood
When you split the pack between two you’ll barely be getting a mouthful
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When you split the pack between two you’ll barely be getting a mouthfulCredit: Louis Wood

THESE street food-style crispy chicken morsels are already bite-sized, but when you split the pack between two you’ll barely be getting a mouthful at only seven dinky pieces each.

However, the pack does also state it is designed to be eaten as a side dish.

Score: 2/5.

Beef, Pork & Red Wine Ragu Cappellacci 250g

Sainsbury’s, £3.35. Per serving (half pack) – 340 kcal (17%), 15.7g fat (22%)
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Sainsbury’s, £3.35. Per serving (half pack) – 340 kcal (17%), 15.7g fat (22%)Credit: Louis Wood
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference pasta is enough for two diners - six cappellacci per person
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Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference pasta is enough for two diners - six cappellacci per personCredit: Louis Wood

A PASTA dinner from Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference range looks like a weeknight treat.

Except it’s enough for two diners – that is six cappellacci per person.

But eat the lot and the calories double to 680 and the fat will nearly top half of your recommended daily allowance.

Score: 4/5.

M&S Classic Frites 225g

M&S, £2.75. Per serving (half pack) – 181 kcal (9%), 5.1g fat (7%)
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M&S, £2.75. Per serving (half pack) – 181 kcal (9%), 5.1g fat (7%)Credit: Louis Wood
There can’t be many who wouldn’t feel a bit short- changed with only half the contents dished up
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There can’t be many who wouldn’t feel a bit short- changed with only half the contents dished upCredit: Louis Wood

CRISPY, crunchy and lightly seasoned – the perfect accompaniment to your main course.

But there can’t be many who wouldn’t feel a bit short- changed with only half the contents dished up with their burger.

Plus you have to cook the lot as they won’t keep.

Score: 3/5.

Spinach & Pine Nut Pasta 200g, Co-op, £2.50
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Spinach & Pine Nut Pasta 200g, Co-op, £2.50Credit: Louis Wood
Spooned out on a plate like a doll’s house meal, it’s almost silly how small this is
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Spooned out on a plate like a doll’s house meal, it’s almost silly how small this isCredit: Louis Wood

THIS looks the sort of tub many would grab to eat on the go at lunchtime.

So it comes as a shock to read it is intended for four people – making each portion just 50g.

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Spooned out on a plate like a doll’s house meal, it’s almost silly how small this is.

Score: 1/5.

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