Mars Food & Nutrition UK is bringing major innovation to cupboard ready meals shelves, expanding its ambient ready meals range to 27 convenient and high-quality meals, under its well-loved brands, Ben’s Original and Dolmio. Launching across major retailers in 2025, the extended range celebrates global cuisine and is set to shake up the ambient ready meal aisles.
With flavours from around the world and Italian classic recipes set to transform the ambient ready meals category, the 2025 launches include:
- Ben’s Street Food: A bold, globally inspired noodle and vegetable range, available in Chow Mein Style, Teriyaki Style, Thai Style Stir Fry, Korean BBQ Style, Singapore Style and Spicy Indonesian Style. Ready in just two minutes.
- Dolmio Classics: A selection of all-in-one pasta meals featuring Dolmio’s signature sauces, including Meatballs Fusilli, Carbonara Fusilli, Prosciutto Tortellini, and Bolognese Rigatoni.
- Dolmio Feasts: Indulgent creamy pasta dishes designed for one, available in Spicy Chorizo Fusilli, Cheesy Mac & Cheese, Garlic & Chicken Rigatoni, and Spicy Mac & Cheese.
These new innovations build off the success of Ben’s Original Favourites and Lunch Bowls, launched in July last year. The expanded ambient ready meals range now stretches across 27 products including ready-to-eat grain bowls, classic rice meals, plant-powered options, globally inspired street food, and premium pasta dishes – all designed to deliver convenience without compromising on taste or quality.
A shift in consumer eating habits has seen the UK’s ‘heat and eat’ trend grow by 7% annually, leading to a projected UK market size of £1bn by 2028[1] and 35% of shoppers expected to be enjoying ready meals at least once a week by 2030. Answering the demand of easy and convenient meal choices, Mars Food & Nutrition UK is focusing on the untapped potential of ambient ready meals.
Nick Reade, General Manager UK, Mars Food and Nutrition Europe, commented: “We are building a multi-year pipeline across our two biggest brands to unlock enormous category growth potential. People are looking for meals that fit into their busy lifestyles and our expanded range caters to all occasions and tastes – whether it’s a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a globally inspired meal on the go. But crucially, convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of nutrition. All these new innovations are non-HFSS, and use no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. We’ve also focussed on providing sources of protein, fibre and vegetables. In 2025, we are continuing to redefine the ambient ready meals category, providing shoppers with more high-quality and convenient choices than ever before.”
With Mars Food & Nutrition planning further new products and range extensions over the next two years, this ambitious launch is poised to reshape the ready meals landscape, providing consumers with fast and flavourful meal solutions straight from their cupboard.
Sian Gavin, Ben’s Original Brand Director Europe, Mars Food and Nutrition Europe, added: “Consumers are crying out for meals that not only meet their demand for convenience but that also elevate the at home dining experience with varied and great-tasting food. And they deserve more than just a quick fix; they deserve meals that expertly blend global culinary inspiration with the comforting familiarity of classic dishes. Our expanded range does just that – 27 options, meticulously crafted to meet the needs of flexible schedules without compromising on flavour, quality or taste. This launch sets a new standard in cupboard ready meals, redefining everyday dining and paving the way for a future where innovation and taste go hand in hand.”
- Ben’s Street Food: A bold, globally inspired noodle and vegetable range, available in Chow Mein Style, Teriyaki Style, Thai Style Stir Fry, Korean BBQ Style, Singapore Style and Spicy Indonesian Style. Ready in just two minutes.
- Ben’s Lunch Bowl: A satisfying, nutritious grain and vegetable bowl available in Italian Sundried Tomato, Moroccan Chickpea and Raisin, Mexican Bean & Corn, and Spicy Thai Coconut. Enjoy hot or cold for an easy, fulfilling lunch on the go.
- Ben’s Favourites: Classic, one-person rice-based meals including Chilli Con Carne, Spanish Paella, Risotto Tomato & Herbs, and Risotto Chicken & Mushroom. Ready in just two minutes.
- Ben’s Plant Powered: A delicious range of meat-free meals, packed with vegetables, beans and pulses. Flavours include Chilli Non Carne, Spicy Lentil and Tikka Masala.
The Dolmio Ready Meals Range:
- Dolmio Feasts: Indulgent creamy pasta dishes designed for one, available in Spicy Chorizo Fusilli, Cheesy Mac & Cheese, Garlic & Chicken Rigatoni, and Spicy Mac & Cheese.
- Dolmio Classics: A selection of all-in-one pasta meals featuring Dolmio’s signature sauces, including Meatballs Fusilli, Carbonara Fusilli, Prosciutto Tortellini, and Bolognese Rigatoni.
- Dolmio Pronto: A convenient entry-level pasta and sauce range in Tomato & Basil and Tomato & Chilli, ready to eat in 90 seconds.
