If you’re the sort who adores everything Aldi does and shouts its praises from the rooftops, you’re about to get even more energized. Aldi is introducing a lineup of ready-made meals crafted for cooking convenience, and we’ve gotten our hands on the inaugural batch for a taste test. Yes, you might be green with envy, but that’s one of the perks of the job. By January, you’ll be able to pick any one of the five single-serve meals or two family-style dinners at your local Aldi, so you can head into 2027 with a flavorful bang.
If you simply can’t wait until January next year, beginning September 25, 2026, this assortment of meals will begin a phased rollout in select markets, giving you a chance to research which options are available in your area and perhaps plot a quick road trip. Either way, these ready-made meals loom on the horizon, so here’s a thorough look at what’s coming and a look at the three I personally tasted.
7 Ready-Made Meals Packed With Protein
Aldi has devised seven meals in total, five of which are single-serve portions and two that are meant for family dining. The single-serve picks include Beef Bolognese Spaghetti, Beef Brisket Mac & Cheese, Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, Chicken Burrito Bowl, and Butter Chicken & Rice. The larger family-style dishes are Chicken Bacon Mac & Cheese and Meat Lover’s Pizza Bake. The individual portions heat up in about three minutes in the microwave if kept cold, while the family-style options are designed for longer oven preparation.
On price, the individual portions come in under $8 each, and the family sizes come in under $15, offering a satisfying meal at an appealing price point. The packaging deserves attention as well. The transparent wrap shows you exactly what’s inside before you heat it, so you know what you’re getting. The outer cardboard sleeve emphasizes the protein as a major selling point. Each individual meal delivers anywhere from 30 to 46 grams of protein, so if you’re aiming to boost your protein intake in a tasty way, these meals fit the bill. During a virtual tasting hosted by Aldi’s suppliers, I picked three meals to sample: Butter Chicken & Rice, Chicken Burrito Bowl, and Beef Brisket Mac & Cheese. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed what each offered, so here’s the breakdown.
Butter Chicken and Rice
As a fan of Indian cuisine, I was instantly excited to try this dish. And Aldi indeed pulled off a delicious rendition of butter chicken. The basmati rice is soft and fluffy, pairing perfectly with the rich, creamy butter sauce. The choice of chicken thighs adds depth of flavor, and every bite leaves a warm, satisfying sensation on the palate. Aldi’s butter chicken is a solid victory.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
For this dish, chicken breasts are used, giving a leaner profile to the meat. The morsels are coated with taco-seasoning, delivering a lively hint of heat. Roasted bell peppers, black beans, a mix of vegetables, and rice all hold their own beside the chicken to create a clean, satisfying flavor that won’t weigh you down. The standout feature, however, is the creamy chipotle sauce that ties everything together with ease.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
With this dish, chicken breasts are used, so the flavor is more lean. The bite-sized meat is coated with taco seasoning, delivering a punch of heat without going overboard. Roasted bell peppers, black beans, a veggie mix, and rice all contribute to a clean palate that won’t leave you feeling heavy. Yet the real standout is the creamy chipotle sauce that ties every component together seamlessly.
Beef Brisket Mac & Cheese
This meal is indulgent, creamy, and deeply savory with a hint of sweetness. The macaroni is perfectly cooked in a velvety cheese sauce that isn’t overly heavy. The real stroke of genius is the tender brisket, which is loaded with savory richness, and the barbecue sauce draped over it adds a sweet, tangy note that elevates every bite. If you crave barbecue-flavored mac and cheese, this dish will hit the spot.
Aldi Is Getting It Right
These ready-made meals are a genuine step in the right direction. This marks just the beginning of Aldi’s foray into prepared meals, and based on how tasty the three dishes I tried turned out to be, I can easily picture these items flying off shelves once they reach stores nationwide in January. Keep pushing forward, Aldi. Our palates are counting on you.
