GRAND RAPIDS, MI – With meal kits aplenty these days, retailer Meijer has a different approach to keep consumers coming back for more easy ways to get the foods they love. Company chefs found a new way to dice vegetables in a fraction of the time when testing soup recipes, consequently leading to the creation of its debuting Meal Inspirations, prepared kits seeking to inspire at-home chefs.

In a recent press release, the company described the new item as a mirepoix, or a flavorful mixture of deliciously seasoned diced veggies, so that creating unique recipes are a breeze.

Arguably, the most convenient is the peel-away label that hosts three recipes on the four different kits. To make life even better, the kits require few additional ingredients and the recipes are ready in 40 minutes or less—and don’t forget that there is no chopping involved!

The kit varieties include the following:

Southwest Blend

Take a tour of the Southwest with this produce-packed kit, including black beans, chick peas, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

Suggested Recipe: Southwest Avocado Veggie Sliders

Asparagus & Mushroom

This perfect blend of crisp asparagus and earthy mushrooms creates an almost umami-like flavor when combined.

Suggested Recipe: Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Gnocchi

Ham & Vegetable

Perfect for those looking for a heavier dish, this blend consists of diced ham, onions, and green, yellow, and red peppers, making it a savory and colorful variety to catch the eye of consumers.

Suggested Recipe: Cheesy New Potato & Ham Au Gratin

Rosemary Vegetable

Rosemary sprigs, diced carrots, celery, and onions come together for a deliciously spiced medley that plays perfectly into oven-roasted meals like beef and chicken.

Suggested Recipe: Roast Beef Sirloin & Red Wine Sauce

In addition to these new kits, the company also released what it’s calling Roasters, vegetable kits that are perfect for roasting and which include cooking instructions and all of the ingredients. Consumers just need to add olive oil and roast! Recipes to use with the Roasters can be found here.

Medleys include the following:

• Young Potatoes with Scallions & Mushrooms
• Chimichurri Sweet Potatoes & Cauliflower
• Herb Roasted New Potatoes with Bacon
• Mediterranean Style Green Beans

How will Meijer’s new products boost sales, and will they inspire other retailers to create similar products to meet the current meal kit craze head-on? We'll have to wait to find out...

Meijer