ALDI is entering the ready-made meal category for the first time with a new line of fresh, never-frozen meals designed for quick lunches and dinners.

The discount grocery chain announced the launch of both single-serve and family-size prepared meals, with products scheduled to begin appearing in select markets in early October. Nationwide availability is expected by January 2027.

According to the company, the meals were developed to provide convenient, protein-focused options at value-oriented prices. Single-serve meals will retail for less than $8, while family-size meals serving up to four people will be priced under $15.

The initial single-serve lineup includes:

• Beef Bolognese Spaghetti: Ground beef in tomato sauce served with spaghetti.
• Beef Brisket with White Mac & Cheese: Macaroni and cheese topped with smoked beef brisket, roasted vegetables and barbecue sauce.
• Butter Chicken & Rice: Tandoori-style chicken thighs in a butter sauce served with basmati rice.
• Chicken Burrito Bowl: Seasoned chicken breast with rice, roasted bell peppers, black beans and chipotle sauce.
• Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: Fettuccine pasta in Alfredo sauce with chicken breast and Parmesan cheese.

The family-size offerings include:

• Chicken and Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Macaroni in a cheese sauce with chicken breast and bacon.
• Meat Lovers Pizza Bake: Penne pasta with marinara sauce, pepperoni, pork crumble and mozzarella cheese.

Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food Company, an ALDI supplier, said the development process included testing hundreds of recipes with an emphasis on flavor and ingredient quality.

Jackson said the Beef Brisket with White Mac & Cheese underwent extensive testing, including evaluations of more than 20 barbecue sauces, to achieve the desired balance of smoky and sweet flavors.

The meals are produced at a dedicated facility in Kentucky and packaged in clear, vacuum-sealed containers designed to showcase the product while maintaining presentation during transport and storage. The trays can be heated directly in the microwave.

ALDI said the meals feature ingredients such as real cheeses, roasted vegetables and made-from-scratch sauces. The company said the single-serve meals contain between 30 and 46 grams of protein, while servings of the family-size meals contain between 16 and 22 grams.

“Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives without sacrificing quality or stretching their budgets,” said Joan Kavanaugh, ALDI U.S. vice president of national buying, in a statement.

The company said the new prepared meals will be stocked in refrigerated meal sections near the front of stores. Additional ready-made meal offerings are expected to be introduced through the ALDI Finds program over the next year.