Mars Food & Nutrition UK is expanding its ambient ready meals range with the introduction of 14 new products under its Ben’s Original and Dolmio brands.
Launching across major retailers during 2025, the extended range includes flavours from around the world and classic Italian recipes designed to “shake up” the ambient ready meal aisles.
The new launches include:
- Ben’s Street Food: A 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.
- 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: Creamy pasta dishes designed for one, available in Spicy Chorizo Fusilli, Cheesy Mac & Cheese, Garlic & Chicken Rigatoni, and Spicy Mac & Cheese.
The 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 pasta dishes.
Mars noted that 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 and 35% of shoppers expected to consume ready meals at least once a week by 2030.
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.”
