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Mars Food & Nutrition has expanded its UK ambient portfolio with the launch of Dolmio Active, a new range of high-protein pasta ready meals designed to meet growing consumer demand for convenient, functional meal solutions. The new lineup enters the market exclusively across Tesco physical stores and digital channels nationwide.

The launch forms part of a broader expansion across Dolmio's ready-meal portfolio, which also includes new product additions across its established Classics and Feasts sub-brands to target changing consumer mealtime habits.

The expansion strategy reflects shifting consumer expectations around speed, nutritional value, and accessibility in everyday convenience foods.

The Dolmio Active three-SKU lineup is distributed exclusively across Tesco supermarket networks and online channels in the UK. The new Dolmio Classics and Dolmio Feasts line additions are available nationwide across major UK grocery retailers and wholesale partners.

High Protein Innovation

The introduction of Dolmio Active arrives as high-protein formulations continue to shift from specialised fitness nutrition into mainstream retail categories.

According to consumer research cited by parent company Mars Food & Nutrition, more than 43 per cent of UK adults have increased their daily protein intake over the past year, rising to two-thirds among consumers aged 16 to 34.

The launch aligns with continued expansion across the broader UK convenience sector, where the ready meals market is projected to reach £1 billion by 2028. By offering a shelf-stable, cupboard-ready option that heats in two minutes, the brand aims to capture consumption occasions across both home and workplace environments.

Product Formats

The Dolmio Active portfolio combines Italian-inspired pasta recipes with elevated protein content. Each pouch is low in sugar, contains no artificial colours or flavours, and is engineered for quick microwave preparation in two minutes.

The initial Dolmio Active lineup comprises three distinct SKU options:

🍝 Sundried Tomato & Chicken Rigatoni: Rigatoni pasta combined with chicken in a savoury sundried tomato sauce.

🌶️ Jalapeño & Chicken Fusilli: Fusilli pasta paired with chicken in a spicy jalapeño-infused tomato sauce.

🍋 Zesty Chicken Fusilli: Fusilli pasta combined with tender chicken pieces in a citrus-tinted tomato sauce.

Wider Portfolio Additions

Alongside the high-protein range, Mars Food & Nutrition is introducing three additional ambient pasta dishes across its wider Dolmio portfolio to provide options spanning standard comfort classics and vegetable-focused recipes:

🍅 Dolmio Classics Veggie Packed Fusilli: A plant-forward fusilli dish formulation incorporating additional vegetable content into a traditional tomato sauce base.

🌶️ Dolmio Classics Rigatoni Arrabbiata: Rigatoni pasta served in a spicy chilli and garlic tomato Arrabbiata sauce.

🍗 Dolmio Feasts Creamy Tomato & Chicken Rigatoni: A hearty rigatoni recipe featuring chicken in a creamy tomato sauce.