It’s easy to quickly prepare a delicious, well-balanced meal or lunch, in the comfort of your home, with the resources available at your IGA grocery store, such as the C’est prêt! ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meals. Here are 10 "shortcut" foods that you can add to your grocery cart for busy days.

1. Marinated chicken and beef brochettes      

Did you know that every day your butcher prepares different cuts of meat, such as steaks and pork chops, as well as marinated (or not) brochettes, ready to be grilled? The whole family will enjoy the meal in no time. Check out your butcher’s ready-to-cook dishes!

2. Stuffed salmon and other delicious, prepared seafood

Your fisherman works hard, day after day, to offer you the freshest products. Seasoned fillets, fresh salmon steak and stuffed tournedos brochettes are some of the dishes available if you aren’t used to cook fish, and are in search of simple and quick ways to cook it. Check out the fish department’s ready-to-eat dishes.

3. Cut vegetables for sautés and stews

From the garden, you’ll find a variety of vegetable combinations, all pre-rinsed, pre-cut and prepared. Many different combinations are available so you can prepare sautés or stews even faster. Another great reason to add more veggies to your plates!

4. Ready-to-eat salads

Next to the bistro, you’ll find a wide variety of prepared salads (garden salads, Greek salads, pasta salads, potato salads, etc.). They pair up wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches. Add chickpeas or lentils, a few nuts or even some cheese and you’ll have a great salad to go!

5. Wrapped sandwiches

In the ready-to-eat section, stop by the sandwich counter. You’ll probably find the perfect sandwich for your lunch hour! Some are also available in bigger formats, to help you plan for weekly lunches, such as this family pack trio. IGA has many different kinds of breads and garnishes, for variety, such as this Italian baguette stick. If you’d rather make your own sandwich, come by our bakery; you’ll find a wide array of breads!

6. Tortellini, ravioli and otherfresh pasta

At the ready-to-eat counter, you’ll find everything you need: all kinds of fresh pasta, stuffed or not, sauces and pesto, for all desired flavours. Try the following pasta from the Simple naturellement range, made by Compliments. They are non-hydrogenated and have no artificial colours or flavours. Many kinds of tortellini are available, and the 1 kg format is offered at a great price

7. Pizza crust, cold cuts and cheese

Tonight, cook Italian without tearing your hair out! First select your fresh vegetables, cut just for you at the garden counter: peppers, tomatoes, onions, asparagus, mushrooms, etc. Choose a fine pizza crust or even a Compliments pizza kit from the ready-to-eat counter. For cold cuts, pick out your favourite! A little pepperoni, some prosciutto or cooked ham will be just perfect. In the refrigerated section: choose some shredded cheese. On your way to the cash, don’t forget the pizza sauce if you don’t have any.

Now, all you need to do is to put the pizza together, and pop it in the oven for a few minutes. To maximize your time even more, prepare some extra pizzas on some greaseproof paper and freeze them in freezer bags for later use.

8. Veggies with dip or cut fruit

To save a few minutes more, think of getting cut veggies and some dip, in an individual format  (ideal for lunches) or a large family format (ideal to add a healthy twist to a dinner with too few vegetables). Simple, but handy!

For dessert or a snack, pre-cut fruit or fruit salads are popular. Also available in lunch or family formats.

9. Spring salad and other pre-washed salads

Nowadays, the salad spinner really isn’t an essential kitchen item. All your favourite leafy greens are available in a pre-washed version. Spinach, spring mix, arugula, green or red cabbage, kale, etc.: there’s something for everyone. You can even find some ready-to-eat versions with salad dressing, nuts, seeds, croutons and cheese, as well as salad meals with chicken or other proteins.

10. Frozen fruits and vegetables

Frozen fruits and vegetables are miracle workers on days where you’re running after time. From breakfast to dinner, they improve your recipes by giving them the same nutritional value as fresh fruits and vegetables. Use them in smoothies, granola, creams and desserts.