At the ready
Now is the time for retailers to position their products as the choice for those seeking convenience and healthy meals, writes Donna Ahern
Print18 June 2025
Modern consumers are looking for convenience, flavour, and wholesome ingredients—and the healthy ready meals category is expanding to deliver on all fronts. Whether plant-based, high-protein, or calorie-conscious, these meals are changing perceptions of convenience food. Here ShelfLife will showcase the brands making health simple, delicious, and accessible for time-pressed shoppers.
According to a recent report by Statista, ‘Ready-to-Eat Meals’ market in Ireland is projected to reach about €480 million by 2029.
Consumers prioritise convenience without sacrificing nutritional value, looking for options that support their dietary choices and make meal preparation effortless.
The research indicates that in Ireland, the Ready-to-Eat Meals eCommerce market is experiencing a surge in demand for health-conscious and sustainable options, reflecting a growing consumer preference for nutritious diets.
In Ireland, the Ready-to-Eat Meals eCommerce market is influenced by a rich culinary heritage that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Statista report indicates that Ireland’s country’s strong agricultural sector supports a growing demand for organic and seasonal meal options, aligning with consumers’ desire for sustainability.
Now is the ideal moment for retailers to present their products as the top choice for consumers looking for convenient and nutritious ready meals.
Fit Foods: Real food. Real fast. No compromise
Fit Foods Meatballs with Wholemeal Spaghetti
Fit Foods Sweet and Sour Chicken with Chinese Style Rice
A selection of Fit Foods new range
‘Clean eating, protein fuelled
At Fit Foods, it is not here to play it safe, it is here to raise the bar. Born from its family-run butchers and launched into retail in 2020, the brand has quickly grown to become Ireland’s No.1 ready meal brand. Why? Because it has ‘done what others haven’t: made healthy food that actually tastes great and fits real life’.
Today’s shoppers want it all: speed, taste, and nutrition. And they think they should expect it. That’s why every Fit Foods meal is built to deliver on high protein, low fat, and bold flavour without the fuss. It has made everyday food for every day people doing their best. Whether it’s Fit Foods Salt & Chilli Chicken, Cheeseburger Fries, or Chicken Curry, everything we do is grounded in convenience without compromise.
“We’re not just about fitness — we’re Fit for Life,” says CEO Brian O’Leary. “From busy professionals to active families, we’re helping people eat well, live better, and not waste time doing it.”
Fit Foods has transformed the ready meal aisle rising above the old “clean eating, protein fuelled” clichés and into something much more exciting: everyday health that’s tasty, satisfying, and actually sustainable. It has rebalanced a category long dominated by private label, drawn in a younger, more affluent shopper, and unlocked new eating occasions like lunch.
Fit Foods has done it by staying true to who it is which is a family business built on trust, with full control from source to shelf, and a 99%+ service level that retailers can rely on.
Its mission is simple, ‘to fit great-tasting, healthier food into everyday life. No fads. Just meals that work hard, so consumers don’t have to think twice’.
With a proven track record, standout brand recognition, and rapid growth in the chilled category, Fit Foods is leading the charge in healthy convenience. It’s not just keeping up with demand — Fit Foods is defining what’s next.
Fit Foods. Fit for life.
Healthy, delicious, and convenient
Oishii Foods Ltd is an Irish food company based in Dublin, specializing in premium sushi and ready-to-eat meals. The company’s mission is to provide consumers with healthy, delicious, and convenient meal options that cater to today’s fast-paced lifestyle. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Oishii is committed to delivering the highest quality products to its growing customer base.
Fresh pasta, real flavour, zero compromise
Carroll’s Lasagne range
Carroll’s ready meal range
At Carroll’s of Tullamore, we believe great food starts with the best of ingredients—and that includes fresh pasta. Our ready meal range is made with freshly made pasta and classic sauces for rich, satisfying flavour in every bite. Each meal is under 600 calories and are ready in minutes in the microwave or can be popped in the oven or air fryer for that perfect finish.
Carroll’s is known for its family style fresh lasagne, that’s been loved by Irish families since the nineties. Fresh pasta sheets layered with a rich beef and vegetable ragu, creamy béchamel, and a golden cheese topping.
Available in a 350g, 1 kg, and a plant-based vegan option, it’s a versatile favourite the whole family can enjoy.
Whether it’s a busy weekday, a solo treat, or a no-fuss dinner, Carroll’s must stock ready meal range hits the spot without the compromise, every time.
- Tagliatelle Bolognese: Al dente tagliatelle paired with a hearty vegetable-rich meat sauce and a touch of cheese for a warming, filling meal.
- Penne Chicken Arrabbiata: Fresh penne, tender chicken breast and a gently spiced tomato herb sauce for a flavour-packed meal.
- Tagliatelle Carbonara: Creamy, smoky and satisfying—fresh tagliatelle with a rich creamy sauce, bacon and topped with cheese.
- Salmon Tagliatelle: Delicate salmon in a white wine and leek sauce poured over fresh tagliatelle.
Mindful Irish made meals
Clean Cut Meals
Clean Cut Meals are the more mindful Irish made meals, available in selected SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide, currently on offer for 2 for €12. The high-protein meals have quality ingredients and are made with nutrition in mind.
Clean Cut Meals have a range of 12 Irish made meals, including the following that were launched in March 2025: Butter Chicken With Pilau Rice, Cottage Pie With Irish Beef, Veggie Bolognese With Spaghetti and Beef Taco Wedges With Irish Beef. Designed for those who want something quick, tasty, and nutritious.
Clean Cut Meals commitment to quality is evidenced by its innovative packaging that locks in flavour and freshness. Their steam technology cooks the meals to perfection in minutes. No piercing or stabbing required, just remove the recyclable sleeve and stick the tray in the microwave for a quick fix feast.
Clean Cut Meals continues to evolve—bringing quick and nutritious meals to more people, with no prep and no fuss. Just remove the sleeve, heat in minutes, and enjoy.
The entire range of Clean Cut Meals are available in selected SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide. The range now also includes high in protein granola yogurts, pancakes and soups.
For a mindful, healthy, Irish meal, choose Clean Cut Meals.
The Chilled Ready Meals shopper
Across our 150 or so metrics, if we just look at what is important to Chilled Ready Meals shoppers vs how satisfied shoppers are on those priorities – we can see that ‘healthy choices’ is a priority that is also performing well, according to shoppers of this category. Similarly, innovation/NPD and ‘enjoy shopping the category’ fall into this quadrant. Good alignment here with shopper expectations. The watch-outs for the Chilled Ready Meals category are in the top left quadrant: some price metrics as well as quality and range. These are category priorities that are currently not being met – is there an opportunity here to dial these up to satisfy shoppers/drive growth?
Read more: Lidl Ireland announces €11m deal with Dublin Fit Foods Supplier
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Clean Cut launches new protein pancakes and granola protein yogurt range →
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