Best Prepared Foods in the UK: Where to Buy Ready Meals, Meal Kits and Fresh Prepared Dishes

Why prepared foods are booming in the UK

Have you noticed how many of us reach for ready meals these days? Between busy schedules, long commutes, and the desire for variety without the effort, prepared foods have become a kitchen staple. They save time, reduce food waste when chosen wisely, and let you taste restaurant-style dishes at home. Plus, supermarkets and specialist retailers have invested heavily in quality, so “ready” no longer means bland.

What counts as prepared food?

Prepared food covers a wide spectrum: ready-to-eat meals, ready-to-cook dishes, chilled salads, rotisserie chickens, sushi, and even freezer meals. Some are heat-and-eat, others need a short oven time, and meal kits give you pre-measured ingredients to cook quickly. Think of them as convenience with varying levels of hands-on effort—like choosing whether you want takeout, a semi-homemade dinner, or a short cooking session.

Top supermarkets for prepared foods

Supermarkets are the go-to for most shoppers, and in the UK several big names compete hard on quality and price. I’ll walk you through what each retailer does best so you can pick the right one for your weeknight needs or weekend treats.

Tesco – variety and everywhere

Tesco offers a huge range of chilled and frozen ready meals, from budget basics to premium Taste selections. If you need a quick curry or a classic shepherd’s pie, Tesco usually has several versions—single portions and family sizes. The Clubcard deals often make bulk buys or premium options affordable.

Sainsbury’s – balanced choice and healthier options

Sainsbury’s tends to balance taste with nutrition, offering balanced-calorie meals and a good selection of salads and protein-led dishes. They have a strong “Taste the Difference” premium range and often label calorie and portion guidance clearly so you can make smarter swaps.

Asda – value without compromise

Asda is frequently the value champion. Their ready meals line-up is broad and budget-friendly, and their family-sized dishes are ideal when you’re feeding a hungry household. Look out for Multibuy deals and price-lock promotions that make it easy to stock up.

Morrisons – fresh-prepared counters

Morrisons stands out for its in-store prepared counters. Their salad bars, hot counters, and chilled cuisiné range give you the feel of freshly made food without the wait. If you like to pick up heat-and-eat rotisserie chicken or sushi, Morrisons often has impressive options.

Specialist retailers and premium options

When you want something that tastes a bit more restaurant-like, specialist retailers and premium supermarket ranges step up. These are where you find chef-inspired dishes, gourmet flavors, and higher-quality ingredients.

Marks & Spencer Food – premium and indulgent

M&S Food is a go-to for indulgent ready meals and special-occasion dishes. Their portion sizes and flavor combinations often feel restaurant-calibre, and if you’re feeding two people, many mains are portioned just right. M&S tends to be pricier, but the taste and presentation usually justify the cost.

Waitrose – quality ingredients and range

Waitrose focuses on high-quality ingredients and provenance. Their ready meals, especially in the chilled section, often showcase seasonal produce and careful seasoning. If you prioritise taste and responsible sourcing, Waitrose is a top pick.

Ocado – specialist brands and variety

Ocado isn’t a traditional high-street supermarket, but it partners with many premium brands and specialist suppliers. It’s a good place to find artisanal prepared foods and meal kits you might not spot elsewhere—ideal for those who want variety delivered to their door.

Value-for-money chains for prepared foods

If budget matters, discount supermarkets have dramatically improved their prepared food ranges. You might be surprised at how good a bargain meal can taste these days.

Aldi – affordable quality

Aldi surprises many with its high-quality ready meals at low prices. Their Specially Selected range and limited-time specials include delicious options that often punch above their weight. If you don’t want to spend a fortune but still care about taste, Aldi is worth checking out.

Lidl – seasonal deals and tasty freezer finds

Lidl’s Specialbuys and regular chilled selections offer consistent value. They often run themed weeks—Mediterranean, Mexican, or BBQ—where prepared foods reflect the theme and let you try new cuisines without a big spend.

Iceland – frozen-focused convenience

Iceland still leads the frozen prepared food market. From family pizza packs to single-serve curries, their freezer aisle is a convenience powerhouse. Frozen options are great for long-term storage and can be surprisingly high in quality when reheated properly.

Meal kits and ready-to-cook services

Not all prepared food needs to be fully cooked. Meal kits give you pre-measured ingredients and step-by-step recipes, cutting prep time without losing the joy of cooking.

HelloFresh – straightforward recipes

HelloFresh delivers weekly recipe boxes with measured ingredients and easy instructions. It’s perfect if you enjoy cooking but dislike meal planning and shopping. Portions are usually substantial—expect mains portioned at around 10–14 ounces per person depending on the recipe.

Gousto – variety-focused meal boxes

Gousto emphasises variety, with dozens of recipes each week. Their boxes cater to different diets and skill levels and often include clever twists that make cooking feel effortless. If you’re trying to eat more home-cooked meals while saving time, meal kits can bridge the gap.

Dietary needs: vegan, gluten-free and low-calorie prepared foods

Finding prepared foods that match your dietary needs used to be tricky, but now most major stores have dedicated ranges. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or watching calories, there are options that keep taste and convenience aligned.

Vegan and plant-based ready meals

Look for vegan ranges at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Waitrose. The vegan chill and freezer aisles now include full meals, meat-free meatballs, and plant-based pies. Many of these are crafted to deliver texture and flavor that satisfy both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Free-from and allergy-friendly choices

Stores like Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Ocado label allergens clearly and offer gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options. If you have food sensitivities, it’s smart to scan labels and choose brands with clear preparation controls—some specialist brands take allergen management seriously.

Lower-calorie and protein-focused meals

Fitness-conscious shoppers can find protein-rich and calorie-controlled ready meals, often around 10–16 ounces in portion size and with calorie counts listed on the label. Sainsbury’s and Tesco showcase these, and many premium ranges include nutrient info to help you stay on track.

Tips to pick the best prepared food for your needs

Choosing the right prepared meal is half art, half science. Here are practical tips I use when shopping for ready meals so you don’t end up with something disappointing.

Check portion sizes

Look at weight and serving guidance. Single portions usually range from 8 to 14 ounces; family dinners come in larger trays. If you’re especially hungry, aim for meals toward the upper end of that range or buy an added snack.

Scan the nutrition label

Check calories, salt, and sugar per serving. If you’re watching salt, choose options with “low-salt” or use fresh sides like steamed veg. Protein content matters too—meals with higher protein help keep you full longer.

Inspect the ingredients list

Fewer, recognisable ingredients usually means fewer surprises. Watch out for long lines of chemical-sounding additives if you prefer whole-food-based meals. Organic and locally sourced ingredients are often signposted on premium ranges.

Reheating and storage: getting the best from your purchase

Even the best prepared food can disappoint if you reheat it badly or store it incorrectly. A few simple rules will elevate your meal from “ok” to “great.”

Reheat properly

Use the method on the label as a starting point, but you can often improve texture by finishing in an oven set at 350°F for a few minutes after microwaving. For frozen meals, allow extra cooking time and check internal temperature—hot and steaming throughout is the goal.

Store safely

Refrigerate chilled meals promptly and use within the recommended days—typically 2–3 days for most chilled ready meals. For longer storage keep frozen meals at 0°F or below. When in doubt, label meals with a date so you know exactly when you opened them.

How to save money on prepared foods

Prepared meals don’t have to blow your budget. With a few shopping habits, you can enjoy convenience without overspending.

Buy multi-packs and family trays

Look for multipacks or family-sized trays that offer a lower cost per serving. These are especially useful when you know you’ll use them within a few days or can freeze portions for later.

Use loyalty schemes and compare prices

Clubcard points, Nectar, and other loyalty schemes often deliver discounts and exclusive deals on prepared foods. Also, comparison sites and supermarket apps can show which store has the best deal this week—handy when you’re planning meals.

Shop seasonal specials and markdowns

Keep an eye on in-store markdowns for chilled prepared meals near their sell-by dates—you can often get gourmet items for half price if you’ll eat them within a day or freeze them.

Sustainability and packaging: what to watch for

Packaging is one of the big complaints about prepared foods, but retailers are improving. If sustainability matters to you, look for recyclable trays, reduced plastic, and brands using compostable materials.

Choose recyclable or reusable packaging

Glass and cardboard are usually easier to recycle than mixed plastics. Some premium brands use glass pots for pies and desserts, which are easy to rinse and pop in your recycling bin.

Think local and seasonal

Buying prepared meals that use local produce reduces food miles. Waitrose and some artisan suppliers often display sourcing information so you can pick meals made nearer to home.

My final picks for different needs

Everyone’s tastes and budgets differ, so here are short recommendations depending on what you value most—convenience, taste, or price.

Best for convenience

Ocado and Tesco deliver a vast selection of ready-to-eat and heat-and-eat meals. If you want something fast and reliable, these are solid choices with plenty of variety to prevent mealtime boredom.

Best for taste and special occasions

Marks & Spencer and Waitrose lead on premium, restaurant-quality prepared meals. For date nights or special dinners, these retailers are worth the extra spend.

Best for budget

Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland offer excellent value without sacrificing taste. If you want to stock a freezer for busy weeks, these stores are the budget heroes.

Where comparison sites fit in

If you like to shop smart, use comparison sites to spot deals and compare selection across supermarkets. They help you find the best prices and special offers quickly—especially useful if you’ve got a calorie target or a tight weekly food budget.

Wrapping up: make prepared foods work for you

Prepared foods can be a lifesaver. They free up time, cut down on food waste when used correctly, and let you sample a world of dishes without hours in the kitchen. Whether you choose budget freezer finds, premium supermarket mains, or convenient meal kits, there’s a prepared-food solution for nearly every lifestyle. Treat them like building blocks—complement ready meals with fresh sides and simple swaps, and you’ll get the best of both convenience and nutrition.

Now go on—pick a ready meal, heat it well, and enjoy a stress-free dinner tonight.