Mars Food & Nutrition UK is expanding its ambient ready meals range to include 27 products under its Ben’s Original and Dolmio brands.

Describing the move as the “next stage of ready meals revolution”, the food manufacturer will be launching the extended range through major retailers this year in a bid to “shake up” the ambient ready meal aisle.

The upcoming 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.

Meanwhile, Mars will be launching Dolmio Classics – a selection of all-in-one pasta meals featuring the brand’s signature sauces, including Meatballs Fusilli, Carbonara Fusilli, Prosciutto Tortellini, and Bolognese Rigatoni, alongside new Dolmio Feasts – pasta dishes designed for one, in Spicy Chorizo Fusilli, Cheesy Mac & Cheese, Garlic & Chicken Rigatoni, and Spicy Mac & Cheese.

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The new innovations build on the success of Ben’s Original Favourites and Lunch Bowls, which launched in July last year. 

They also come amid a shift in consumer eating habits, which has seen the UK’s ‘heat and eat’ trend grow by 7% annually, leading to a projected UK market size of £1bn by 2028; 35% of shoppers are expected to be enjoying ready meals at least once a week by 2030.

Mars Food & Nutrition Europe general manager UK Nick Reade said: “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 focused 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.”