BENTONVILLE, ARK. — Walmart Inc. is the latest big box retailer to join the meal kit movement, following in the footsteps of such companies as Kroger and SuperValu. New Walmart meal kits are already available in the deli section of more than 250 stores and are set to roll out to more than 2,000 stores this year. The meals also will be available through Walmart’s online grocery pickup.
Developed and tested in Walmart’s Culinary and Innovation Center, the meal kits are made and assembled in-store daily, Walmart said. Options include pre-portioned cooking kits, kits to accompany Walmart rotisserie chicken and kits that may be heated up and served in less than 15 minutes.
The pre-portioned meal kits are available in four varieties: steak Dijon, basil garlic chicken, sweet chili chicken stir fry and pork Florentine.
The rotisserie chicken meal kit options include Thai curry chicken and chicken fried rice.
The one-step heat-and-eat meal kits come in 10 varieties: chicken alfredo, cheesy ravioli bake, meatloaf, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, pulled beef, chicken marsala, curry chicken, pot roast and chicken enchiladas.
Walmart’s meal kits serve two people and range in price from $8 to $15.
“Customers are busier than ever, and we know getting a delicious dinner on the table can be a chore,” said Tyler Lehr, senior vice-president and general merchandise manager of deli services for Walmart U.S. “We’re here to help. These delicious meals give the best or worst of cooks a fresh, easy option for dinner tonight or later this week.”
