In the competitive world of premium ready meals, one name consistently stands out: Charlie Bigham's. The brand has built its reputation on delivering restaurant-quality dishes to British dinner tables, and their latest autumn collection promises to elevate home dining even further.
The Taste Test: Putting New Dishes Through Their Paces
We gathered a panel of food enthusiasts to sample the newest additions to Bigham's range. The consensus? While not every dish hits the perfect note, several offerings demonstrate why this brand remains a market leader in premium prepared foods.
Standout Stars of the Collection
Chicken, Chorizo and Butterbean One Pot emerged as the clear winner among our testers. This hearty dish combines tender chicken with spicy chorizo and creamy butterbeans in a rich tomato sauce that tastes remarkably homemade.
Wild Mushroom and Truffle Risotto impressed with its sophisticated flavour profile. The earthy mushrooms and subtle truffle notes create a dish that feels genuinely luxurious, challenging the notion that ready meals must compromise on elegance.
Vegetarian Options That Don't Disappoint
The Aubergine Parmigiana received particular praise for its layers of flavour and texture. Unlike many vegetarian ready meals that can feel like an afterthought, this dish stands as a compelling main course in its own right.
Where Bigham's Excels - And Where It Stumbles
The brand's commitment to quality ingredients shines through in most dishes. There's a noticeable absence of artificial flavours and excessive processing that plagues many supermarket alternatives.
However, our reviewers noted some inconsistency in portion sizes and occasional over-salting in certain dishes. At premium prices ranging from £5-£8 per meal, expectations are rightly high.
The Verdict: Are They Worth the Premium Price?
Charlie Bigham's continues to justify its position at the higher end of the ready meal market. While not every new dish will become a staple, the overall quality and attention to detail make these meals a worthwhile indulgence for time-poor food lovers seeking restaurant-quality dining at home.
For special occasions or when you simply deserve a treat without the cooking effort, several of these new offerings deliver genuine satisfaction that transcends typical ready meal expectations.
