Pre-Cooked or Work? A Guide to Ready-Made Meals

Are you tired of slaving away in the kitchen every night? Do you dread cooking a meal after a long day at work? 
Well, fear no more! Ready-made meals are here to save your time and your sanity! 
Ready-made meals come in a variety of ways, from frozen to ready-to-eat. So to help you decide what best suits your busy life, read our guide to ready-made meals that are pre-cooked or require work.  

What Are Ready-Made Meals? 

 First, let’s establish what we mean by “ready-made meals.”. Essentially, these are meals that have already been prepared in some way and are ready for you to cook or eat. This can include everything from pre-packaged ingredients to frozen dinners. They’re designed to be convenient, easy to make, and delicious. 

What Types of Ready-Made Meals are Available? 

When it comes to ready-made meals, there are a few different types to choose from. The most common are ingredients only (also known as “requires work”), ready-to-eat, and frozen.  

Ingredients Only 

If you enjoy cooking but don’t have the time to do all the prep work, then pre-packaged ingredients are the ready-made meal for you! 

These can include things like pre-chopped vegetables, marinated meats, or separated sauces. With these ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time while still getting the satisfaction of cooking it yourself.  

Ready-to-Eat 

For those nights when you really can’t be bothered to cook but want quick, healthy meals, ready-to-eat meals can be your diet’s knight in shining armour! 

These are meals that have already been cooked. All you need to do is throw them in the microwave, or you just need to add boiling water to it for a few minutes, and they’ll be ready to eat.  
This can include everything from microwaveable dinners to pre-made salads. If you want the best balance between freshness and convenience, this option is the one for you. 

Frozen 

Frozen meals are similar to ready-to-eat meals, but they’re designed to be stored in the freezer for longer periods of time. They’re a great option if you want to stock up on meals for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking!  

While you may trade in some of the freshness of the previous two options, frozen is by far the most convenient. You don’t have to worry about expiration dates or ordering more than you can eat. These meals will last for months or even years and are the perfect lifesaver for a ‘just got home and there’s nothing in the fridge’ moment.  

The Benefits of Ready-Made Meals 

Now that you know the different types of ready-made meals, let’s talk about why they’re such a great option.  

Save You Time 

Whether they are pre-cooked or require work, the thing ready-made meals are best known for is how much time they save you.  

Instead of spending an hour or more in the kitchen, you can have a meal ready in minutes. This is especially helpful for those nights when you’re feeling tired or stressed and just want to relax. 

Easy to Make 

Ready-made meals are designed to be incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not a skilled cook, you can still whip up a delicious meal in no time. 

Plus, with pre-packaged ingredients, you don’t have to worry about chopping vegetables, marinating meats or preparing sauces. It’s all done for you! 

Easy Diet Monitoring 

If you’re trying to stick to that New Year’s Resolution diet, ready-made meals are a great option. Many pre-packaged meals are designed with specific dietary needs in mind, including  gluten-free food, high-protein, and low-carb foods. Vegetarian and vegan options are also usually available.  

Plus, with the nutritional information clearly listed on the packaging, it’s easy to keep track of your calorie intake. Simply manage your portions by choosing ready-made meals that add up to your desired calories, and then you’re good to go for the day.  

Delicious Variety 

Often, when people cook meals from scratch, they fall into a routine of making things that are familiar and easy. This can get boring if you don’t have enough variety in your repertoire.  

Thankfully, the ready-made meal industry knows that variety is the spice of life, so they always have ever-changing menus of meals for you to choose from!