Cheapo ready meals

Alt-F4 · 08-02-2012, 13:27

All the supermarkets seem to be price matching these budget ready meals, ie

Tesco -

chicken curry 84p
lasagne 66p

They're not amazing, the cottage pie tastes a bit like arse but the chicken curry one and pasta bake are reasonable...

What's the consensus gentium on these? Taste OK or would you rather eat dogshit?

BrunoStreete · 08-02-2012, 13:39

Taste ok if you need a quick cheap meal.

Porcupine · 08-02-2012, 16:43

Well, i wouldn't eat them often as i do have taste buds, but i had a Youngs Fishman pie yesterday and i was really rather tasty with fresh veggies. Plenty of fish in it and a nice cheesy top. It cost me £1.50.

WhiteFang · 08-02-2012, 17:25

Fishfingers are the best. Id never eat a ready meal as i like quality.

TeeGee · 08-02-2012, 17:29

Asda curry meal for two. £5 - Awesome!

degsyhufc · 08-02-2012, 17:35

Good for if you're feeling lazy or just don't have time.
I find alot of these meals can be improved with a rummage around the cupboard.

Soy, vinegar, chilli sauce are the usual suspects.

Bethaneeny · 08-02-2012, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alt-F4

They're not amazing, the cottage pie tastes a bit like arse but the chicken curry one and pasta bake are reasonable...

haha, that made me laugh!

TennisFreak08 · 09-02-2012, 00:44

Tesco Chicken Jalfrezi (serves 1), £2.97 Tesco Pilau Rice (serves 1), £1 -- a tasty meal - very good quality and better than the Tesco Finest equivalent

swingaleg · 09-02-2012, 01:01

I've tried a few of the really cheapo ones..........

Sainsbury Basic Lasagne is good at around 80p. This is my favourite amongst the really cheap ones

Tesco Value Corned Beef Hash is good, again around 80p

The shephard/cottage pie ones are not as good as those two but OK now and then with a tin of peas and some brown sauce

I don't like the look of the fish ones or the macaroni

Thrasymachus · 09-02-2012, 07:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alt-F4

the cottage pie tastes a bit like arse

Eat bum often do we?

Do you have anything else with it?

BrunoStreete · 09-02-2012, 07:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porcupine

Well, i wouldn't eat them often as i do have taste buds, but i had a Youngs Fishman pie yesterday and i was really rather tasty with fresh veggies. Plenty of fish in it and a nice cheesy top. It cost me £1.50.

Asda do a fish pie for £1 that tastes virtually the same as the Youngs one.

indianwells · 09-02-2012, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteFang

Fishfingers are the best. Id never eat a ready meal as i like quality.

Is it just me?

pugamo · 09-02-2012, 13:57

I've just had one of those Heinz pasta pouches. It was really good! 2 for £2 in Sainsburys atm.

Ignazio · 09-02-2012, 15:35

Rarely buy ready meals and never the cheap variety - they're full of artificial flavourings, food colouring and preservatives etc. Often they contain the full daily allowance of salt, sugar, saturated fat etc and I imagine they use the cheapest of ingredients.

If I must resort to something instant I go for a well known brand and never buy before checking the packaging.

I actually think it's much easier, healthier and tastier to cook in batches, freeze some which is then readily available for those occasions one hasn't time to start cooking from scratch.

RAINBOWGIRL22 · 09-02-2012, 15:51

The only ready meals I have are the kiddie ones from M&S - with salad and pitta they are fine for lunch. I have them a few times a month??

Occasionally I may have a 'count on us cajun chicjken fettucine' from M&S as an evening meal if I am working late and have nothing else easy to cook... With some nice bread and a fresh salad it's actually OK!!

I have tried a couple of the Waitrose healthy range ready meals recently as they have been on offer - I had the macoroni cheese (288cals) and the chicken Korma and rice (300 odd calories). I wouldn't eat either of them again in a hurry - they were both pretty bland...

Thrasymachus · 09-02-2012, 16:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ignazio

I actually think it's much easier, healthier and tastier to cook in batches, freeze some which is then readily available for those occasions one hasn't time to start cooking from scratch.

Bingo

I thought this was what most sensible people did anyway. Forget wasting your money on food that tastes of nothing

whoever,hey · 09-02-2012, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thrasymachus

Bingo

I thought this was what most sensible people did anyway. Forget wasting your money on food that tastes of nothing

I think it is actually cheaper to make it yourself as well tbh. They use so little meat in the curry dishes as an example, the rest is just spice, water, preservative and thickening agent.

Replace the last 3 ingredients for a tin of tomatoes, and you have your freezer food ready for work lunches

Rogana Josh · 09-02-2012, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by pugamo

I've just had one of those Heinz pasta pouches. It was really good! 2 for £2 in Sainsburys atm.

Tesco sell own label noodles in packets with a powdered sauce for 16p. Very easy to make and if you want just add some leftover meat and veg of any description, you have a cheap meal.
Probably you could get them for free in their skips at the rear of the shop.
Very good for familes living on a tight budget!
George Osborne must just f*cking love Tesco!

BrunoStreete · 09-02-2012, 20:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thrasymachus

Bingo

I thought this was what most sensible people did anyway. Forget wasting your money on food that tastes of nothing

Not sure it's cheaper unless you use the same quality of ingredients that the ready meal manufacturers use.

pugamo · 10-02-2012, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogana Josh

Tesco sell own label noodles in packets with a powdered sauce for 16p. Very easy to make and if you want just add some leftover meat and veg of any description, you have a cheap meal.
Probably you could get them for free in their skips at the rear of the shop.
Very good for familes living on a tight budget!
George Osborne must just f*cking love Tesco!

I've had those but I love the Sainsburys own brand noodles, I think they are around 21p, the vegetable flavour ones are gorgeous, i'd have them over supernoodles anyday!

TelevisionUser · 10-02-2012, 23:35

I'm surprised that good ol' Pot Noodle http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pot...w=1024&bih=545 hasn't been mentioned so far. It may be far from being haute cuisine but it is quick and filling.

I also like tinned baked beans and vegetarian sausages too - also tasty and filling.

08-02-2012, 13:27	#1
Alt-F4 Inactive Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 10,128	Cheapo ready meals All the supermarkets seem to be price matching these budget ready meals, ie Tesco - chicken curry 84p lasagne 66p They're not amazing, the cottage pie tastes a bit like arse but the chicken curry one and pasta bake are reasonable... What's the consensus gentium on these? Taste OK or would you rather eat dogshit?

08-02-2012, 13:39	#2
BrunoStreete Inactive Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 7,071	Taste ok if you need a quick cheap meal.

08-02-2012, 16:43	#3
Porcupine Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Suffolk Posts: 21,392	Well, i wouldn't eat them often as i do have taste buds, but i had a Youngs Fishman pie yesterday and i was really rather tasty with fresh veggies. Plenty of fish in it and a nice cheesy top. It cost me £1.50.

08-02-2012, 17:25	#4
WhiteFang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Narnia Posts: 3,767	Fishfingers are the best. Id never eat a ready meal as i like quality.

08-02-2012, 17:29	#5
TeeGee Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dark Satanic Mills Posts: 4,821	Asda curry meal for two. £5 - Awesome!

08-02-2012, 17:35	#6
degsyhufc Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 58,791	Good for if you're feeling lazy or just don't have time. I find alot of these meals can be improved with a rummage around the cupboard. Soy, vinegar, chilli sauce are the usual suspects.

08-02-2012, 19:23	#7
Bethaneeny Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 6,136	Quote: Originally Posted by Alt-F4 They're not amazing, the cottage pie tastes a bit like arse but the chicken curry one and pasta bake are reasonable... haha, that made me laugh!

09-02-2012, 00:44	#8
TennisFreak08 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Swansea Posts: 9,035	Tesco Chicken Jalfrezi (serves 1), £2.97 Tesco Pilau Rice (serves 1), £1 -- a tasty meal - very good quality and better than the Tesco Finest equivalent

09-02-2012, 01:01	#9
swingaleg Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 76,847	I've tried a few of the really cheapo ones.......... Sainsbury Basic Lasagne is good at around 80p. This is my favourite amongst the really cheap ones Tesco Value Corned Beef Hash is good, again around 80p The shephard/cottage pie ones are not as good as those two but OK now and then with a tin of peas and some brown sauce I don't like the look of the fish ones or the macaroni

09-02-2012, 07:07	#10
Thrasymachus Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,043	Quote: Originally Posted by Alt-F4 the cottage pie tastes a bit like arse Eat bum often do we? Do you have anything else with it?

09-02-2012, 07:44	#11
BrunoStreete Inactive Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 7,071	Quote: Originally Posted by Porcupine Well, i wouldn't eat them often as i do have taste buds, but i had a Youngs Fishman pie yesterday and i was really rather tasty with fresh veggies. Plenty of fish in it and a nice cheesy top. It cost me £1.50. Asda do a fish pie for £1 that tastes virtually the same as the Youngs one.

09-02-2012, 08:51	#12
indianwells Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 12,236	Quote: Originally Posted by WhiteFang Fishfingers are the best. Id never eat a ready meal as i like quality. Is it just me?

09-02-2012, 13:57	#13
pugamo Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 17,247	I've just had one of those Heinz pasta pouches. It was really good! 2 for £2 in Sainsburys atm.

09-02-2012, 15:35	#14
Ignazio Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 17,110	Rarely buy ready meals and never the cheap variety - they're full of artificial flavourings, food colouring and preservatives etc. Often they contain the full daily allowance of salt, sugar, saturated fat etc and I imagine they use the cheapest of ingredients. If I must resort to something instant I go for a well known brand and never buy before checking the packaging. I actually think it's much easier, healthier and tastier to cook in batches, freeze some which is then readily available for those occasions one hasn't time to start cooking from scratch.

09-02-2012, 15:51	#15
RAINBOWGIRL22 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London Posts: 23,261	The only ready meals I have are the kiddie ones from M&S - with salad and pitta they are fine for lunch. I have them a few times a month?? Occasionally I may have a 'count on us cajun chicjken fettucine' from M&S as an evening meal if I am working late and have nothing else easy to cook... With some nice bread and a fresh salad it's actually OK!! I have tried a couple of the Waitrose healthy range ready meals recently as they have been on offer - I had the macoroni cheese (288cals) and the chicken Korma and rice (300 odd calories). I wouldn't eat either of them again in a hurry - they were both pretty bland...

09-02-2012, 16:02	#16
Thrasymachus Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,043	Quote: Originally Posted by Ignazio I actually think it's much easier, healthier and tastier to cook in batches, freeze some which is then readily available for those occasions one hasn't time to start cooking from scratch. Bingo I thought this was what most sensible people did anyway. Forget wasting your money on food that tastes of nothing

09-02-2012, 19:40	#17
whoever,hey Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 30,072	Quote: Originally Posted by Thrasymachus Bingo I thought this was what most sensible people did anyway. Forget wasting your money on food that tastes of nothing I think it is actually cheaper to make it yourself as well tbh. They use so little meat in the curry dishes as an example, the rest is just spice, water, preservative and thickening agent. Replace the last 3 ingredients for a tin of tomatoes, and you have your freezer food ready for work lunches

09-02-2012, 19:48	#18
Rogana Josh Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wee Highland Cottage Posts: 19,836	Quote: Originally Posted by pugamo I've just had one of those Heinz pasta pouches. It was really good! 2 for £2 in Sainsburys atm. Tesco sell own label noodles in packets with a powdered sauce for 16p. Very easy to make and if you want just add some leftover meat and veg of any description, you have a cheap meal. Probably you could get them for free in their skips at the rear of the shop. Very good for familes living on a tight budget! George Osborne must just f*cking love Tesco!

09-02-2012, 20:31	#19
BrunoStreete Inactive Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 7,071	Quote: Originally Posted by Thrasymachus Bingo I thought this was what most sensible people did anyway. Forget wasting your money on food that tastes of nothing Not sure it's cheaper unless you use the same quality of ingredients that the ready meal manufacturers use.

10-02-2012, 21:25	#20
pugamo Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 17,247	Quote: Originally Posted by Rogana Josh Tesco sell own label noodles in packets with a powdered sauce for 16p. Very easy to make and if you want just add some leftover meat and veg of any description, you have a cheap meal. Probably you could get them for free in their skips at the rear of the shop. Very good for familes living on a tight budget! George Osborne must just f*cking love Tesco! I've had those but I love the Sainsburys own brand noodles, I think they are around 21p, the vegetable flavour ones are gorgeous, i'd have them over supernoodles anyday!

10-02-2012, 23:35	#21
TelevisionUser Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Storbritannia Posts: 28,930	I'm surprised that good ol' Pot Noodle http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pot...w=1024&bih=545 hasn't been mentioned so far. It may be far from being haute cuisine but it is quick and filling. I also like tinned baked beans and vegetarian sausages too - also tasty and filling.

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Cheapo ready meals