To think my friend is wrong and this can't be classed as stealing?

[Keyansier]

Whenever I order a home delivery from Tesco I always get a refund on stuff that they have substituted in exchange for what I originally ordered to get money back and to keep the food, sometimes when I genuinely dislike their substitute choice or sometimes when I just want some money back.

My friend said "that is what is known as stealing". I replied "HOW can it be stealing when I call up and ask for a refund and it's at their discretion if they give one or not?" Also, I used to work in a few call centres and so probably speak to people who work at call centres politer than most other people, so that might factor their decision to give me refunds.

Unless someone tells me that they work for Tesco on the call centres and they are obliged to give everyone a refund that asks for one but they will later be punished or sacked for it if they say yes, then I can't see what the issue is if they say yes? I don't shout, or threaten or rant. I ask nicely and they say yes. If they were to ever say no, I'd simply say "okay then" and that would be that. So how is it stealing?

I just can't believe in this day and age someone would begrudge someone free food. Their tagline is "Every Little Helps". This is helping me. If they didn't want to help, they can easily say no. Or AIBU and out of touch?

I think legally it’s obtaining goods by deception, which is a criminal offence.

Slightly off topic, but if your poor friend decides that they've had enough of your attention seeking and dodgy moral compass and cool the friendship, send them my way. I like the sound of them, and the fact that they don't just tell you what you want to hear

Correct.

If it’s the same friend that told OP they were a drama queen for crying at NOT being IDd for alcohol then I like them too. Or if it’s a different one then OP has better friends than they deserved

OP confirmed it's the same friend.

Is the friend's name Jiminy Cricket?