Aldi's 90-Second Indian-Inspired Meals Are Like Takeout In A Pouch (And Just $3!)

While ordering takeout food is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite Indian flavors, there's another inexpensive option that's so easy to make at home or at the office, and it only takes about 90 seconds. If this sounds too good to be true, rest assured, these meals are considered on par with more expensive, premium brands.

Earth Grown Indian-inspired meals are an Aldi store-brand variety that cost about $3 per pouch. Aldi offers numerous in-house private-label products known for their quality, and these meal pouches are no exception. There are three varieties, each with Indian flavors: Chickpea & Veggie Korma, Butter Chickpeas & Veggies, and Lentil & Veggie Tikka Masala. Similar Indian-style food is also sold at Trader Joe's, which we ranked, though these Aldi meals in particular are getting raving reviews from shoppers. 

Considering that the Earth Grown products are shelf-stable, Aldi Reviewer found that the Chickpea & Veggie Korma is surprisingly good, suggesting, "The various veggies, spices, and coconut milk blend to make a nice combination." The spice level of the vegan Chickpea & Veggie Korma is mild, made with chickpeas, green beans, and cauliflower in korma sauce, among other ingredients. The Tikka Masala has pumpkin and sweet peppers and is the spicier meal, with a lentil-forward flavor. Butter Chickpeas & Veggies with sweet potatoes and spinach is considered by many people who tried it to be the favorite, and the creamy texture and slightly rich flavor work to make it so. In a Reddit thread, one poster said, "Truly delicious, cheap, and healthy."

Earth Grown Indian pouches might not replicate restaurant versions entirely, but they are a nice option for on-the-go dining. To be fair, there are some caveats to these meals you may want to consider. Some customers commented on the high sodium content. The Tikka Masala contains 1230 milligrams of sodium, or nearly 54% of the daily recommended intake. The Korma has 930 milligrams sodium, while the Butter Chickpea contains less, with 620 milligrams of sodium. There's a scientific reason processed foods contain so much sodium, and most of it is for flavor and preservation. Oddly, though Earth Grown meals are higher in sodium, fans note that they don't taste like they're flavored with much salt. However, if you find them not flavorful enough, you can just add a dash of salt, or even some hot sauce.  

Since these meal pouches are about 10 ounces each, you will create a fuller meal if you pair them with rice. If you're searching for the same convenience as the meals, you can purchase Earthly Grains Basmati, a ready-to-serve microwaveable package that costs about $1.19 and also heats up in 90 seconds. You might also enjoy pairing the meals with Specially Selected Original Naan Bread, though with a price of $4.99 for 17 ounces (depending on location), you'll be adding more to the cost of the whole meal. Of course, taste is personal, and the Earth Grown meals are delicious enough to eat on their own.