ALDI says its first seven fresh, ready-made meals will roll out in select U.S. markets in early October, reaching stores nationwide by January 2027. Five single-serve meals will cost under $8, and two family-size options will be under $15.
Named dishes include Beef Bolognese Spaghetti, Butter Chicken & Rice and Chicken Burrito Bowl. The meals will be sold refrigerated near the front of stores, not frozen. ALDI says hundreds of recipes were tested with supplier Kitchen Food Company and plans monthly additions through ALDI Finds over the next year.
McKinsey found grocery-store prepared-food purchase frequency rose 9% from August 2024 to August 2025. In its 2026 study, 74% of consumers cited convenience and 68% cited saving time as reasons for buying prepared food at grocery stores. Walmart, Kroger and other chains already sell ready-made meals.
