Prepare your oven. Aldi is entering the prepared-foods market.
The Illinois-based grocery chain announced this week that it is launching a lineup of single-serve and family-size prepared meals. The collection includes five single-serve options and two family-size meals featuring "protein-forward, filling dishes, comforting classics and globally inspired recipes," according to a news release from the grocery chain.
"Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives without sacrificing quality or stretching their budgets," Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying for ALDI U.S., said in the release. She said shoppers are looking for convenient, fresh meals that fit into their busy lives.
Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food
Company, an Aldi supplier of ready-made meals, said the company tested hundreds of recipes in preparation for the launch.
"We want every meal to hit the mark on bold flavor and stand-out ingredients, so even when time is short, shoppers can still look forward to what's on the table," Jackson said.
What does each prepared meal cost?
Single-serve meals will cost less than $8, while family-size meals will cost less than $15, the company said.
The meals are fresh, not frozen, and can be heated in a microwave or oven, depending on the meal.
What prepared meals will be for sale?
Aldi's lineup of prepared meals includes:
Single-serve meals
- Beef Bolognese Spaghetti
- Beef Brisket with White Mac & Cheese
- Butter Chicken & Rice
- Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Family-size meals
- Chicken and Bacon Mac n' Cheese
- Meat Lovers Pizza Bake
The collection delivers 30 to 46 grams of protein per single-serve meal and 16 to 22 grams per family-size serving, according to Aldi.
When will Aldi's ready-made meals be available?
The ready-made meals will begin rolling out at select Aldi stores in early October, with the company adding them to other markets throughout the fall.
The full lineup will be available nationwide by January 2027, Aldi said. New meals will be introduced each month throughout the following year.
Once stocked, the ready-made meals will be available in the refrigerated meals section near the front entrance of stores, according to the company.
How many Aldi locations are in NY? Find one near you
Aldi currently has about 140 stores in New York, including 13 in the Rochester area and three in the Westchester/Rockland area, according to the company's website.
To find an Aldi location near you, visit info.aldi.us/stores/l/ny.
Contributing: USA TODAY Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Aldi is launching fresh ready-made meals. See the options coming soon
