Relief is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to your weekly grocery bill. After weeks of empty freezer shelves and disappointed shoppers scouring social media for answers, ALDI's International Cuisine Butter Chicken has quietly returned to stores across Australia—still at that wallet-friendly $3.69 price point.
For many shoppers navigating today's cost of living pressures, this little victory matters more than you might expect.
The great butter chicken shortage of 2025
The disappearance was swift and devastating for loyal customers, with frustrated social media users taking to the platform earlier this month asking 'Frozen butter chicken gone?' and reporting sold-out stores nationwide.
One shopper's comment summed up the situation perfectly: 'I can't find it either' - a sentiment echoed across social media as the product seemed to vanish overnight.
'Unavailable from supplier so it'll be back, just have to wait'
The good news came when ALDI confirmed to nine.com.au that the shortage was due to a supply issue, and they were working with supply partners to normalise availability as soon as possible. True to their word, the product has now reappeared on shelves, bringing relief to budget-conscious households.
Why this matters for your household budget
As the cost of living crisis continues, ALDI shoppers have been able to make ends meet with bargain buys like their butter chicken. At $3.69, this meal represents genuine value in today's market—but it's worth understanding what you're getting for your money.
Research from Sydney University has found that frozen meals sold in Australian supermarkets are generally low in vegetables, lean protein and wholegrains. While this doesn't make them unsuitable, it does mean that pairing your butter chicken with some frozen vegetables or a side salad can significantly boost its nutritional value.
Smart shopping strategy
At $3.69, ALDI's butter chicken works out to roughly $1.50 per 100g—compare this to restaurant takeaway at $15-20 per serve.
Add a $2 bag of frozen vegetables and you've got a nutritious meal for under $6.
Also in stock is International Cuisine Satay Chicken, for the same price of $3.69, giving budget-conscious shoppers variety without breaking the bank.
ALDI continues to lead on affordability
The return of this popular product comes as ALDI was recently found to be the most affordable supermarket in a Choice cost comparison, winning by only the thinnest of margins—just $1.22 difference between first and second place.
The consumer group assessed eight common products at ALDI, Coles, Woolworths and IGA, with Aldi's basket totalling $20.08 compared to competitors.
This narrow margin shows how competitive the grocery market has become, making reliable budget options like the $3.69 butter chicken even more valuable for households watching every dollar.
Making frozen meals work for you
- Check sodium content—many frozen meals are high in salt
- Add extra vegetables to boost nutrition
- Look for meals with visible chunks of meat or vegetables
- Heat thoroughly—seniors are at higher risk from undercooked food
- Consider portion sizes—some frozen meals are quite small
Getting more value from your grocery budget
For those looking to stretch their food budget further, home care packages may cover the cost of meal preparation and delivery, with recipients only covering the cost of ingredients as a small co-payment. Some services offer savings of up to 70 per cent off ready-made meals for eligible home care recipients.
If you think you might be eligible for home care support, your case manager or home care provider can let you know if home-delivered meals are part of your package. Many services are happy to contact your home care provider directly to arrange this.
Food safety matters more as we age
While celebrating the return of affordable convenience foods, it's worth remembering that older adults are at particular risk of dehydration and complications from foodborne illnesses, with conditions like Listeria infection being particularly dangerous.
When heating frozen meals, always ensure food is steaming hot all the way through—this is especially important for seniors, as older adults are at greater risk for severe illness from food poisoning.
Did you know?
Did you know?
As you get older, your sense of thirst reduces, which means you might not always feel thirsty when your body is already dehydrated—so having a glass of water with your meal is always a good idea.
More good news from ALDI
The butter chicken news comes alongside other positive developments, including ALDI receiving the Most Satisfied Customers Award for Supermarket Fruit and Vegetables for the fifth year running, with five stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, freshness and variety.
Additionally, ALDI and DoorDash have expanded their grocery delivery service nationwide following a successful trial in Canberra earlier this year, making convenient shopping even more accessible.
What This Means For You
The return of ALDI's $3.69 butter chicken represents more than just restocked shelves—it's a small but meaningful win for households feeling the pinch of rising living costs. While frozen meals shouldn't be your only dinner solution, having reliable, affordable options available makes weekly meal planning that much easier.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or helping family members manage their grocery budget, knowing these dependable options are back on shelves brings a bit of certainty to uncertain times.
What's been your experience with budget-friendly frozen meals? Have you found ways to make them more nutritious or satisfying? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below—your fellow readers would love to hear your money-saving meal strategies.
Original Article
https://kitchen.nine.com.au/latest/...-shelves/e4935f61-3485-4b35-9eb1-84ccfbc9d6eb
Frozen Food | Pies, Vegetables, Pizza, Ice Cream & More
Cited text: From delicious meals to ice-cream and everything in between, ALDI's award-winning frozen food range has everything you need for a delicious meal....
Excerpt: The disappearance was swift and devastating for loyal customers
https://www.aldi.com.au/tools/clp/freezer
Frozen Food | Pies, Vegetables, Pizza, Ice Cream & More
Cited text: Whether you're craving a quick dinner, a tasty snack or a sweet treat, our frozen selection offers top-quality options at unbeatable prices.
Excerpt: One shopper's comment summed up the situation perfectly: 'I can't find it either'
https://www.aldi.com.au/tools/clp/freezer
Frozen Food | Pies, Vegetables, Pizza, Ice Cream & More
Cited text: Stock your freezer with a variety of favourites, from easy side dishes including vegetable bakes to sweet desserts.
Excerpt: Aldi confirmed to nine.com.au that the shortage was due to a supply issue, and they were working with supply partners to normalise availability as soon as possible
https://www.aldi.com.au/tools/clp/freezer
Frozen Food | Pies, Vegetables, Pizza, Ice Cream & More
Cited text:
Excerpt: As the cost of living crisis continues, Aldi shoppers have been able to make ends meet with bargain buys like their butter chicken
https://www.aldi.com.au/tools/clp/freezer
The best frozen meals you can buy | Seniors News
Cited text: Now new research presented at the Dietitians Association of Australia's National Conference by Sydney University has found that, generally speaking, f...
Excerpt: frozen meals sold in Australian supermarkets are generally low in vegetables, lean protein and wholegrains
https://www.seniorsnews.com.au/news/healthiest-frozen-meals-according-to-nutrititionis/3428247/
Aged Care & Home Care Meal Provider Australia | The Good Meal Co
Cited text: View all FAQs ... Every person's Home Care Package is different, depending on needs. If delivered, prepared meals are part of the package, your Home C...
Excerpt: home care packages may cover the cost of meal preparation and delivery, with recipients only covering the cost of ingredients as a small co-payment
https://goodmeal.com.au/pages/aged-home-care-meals
Meals For the Elderly | Meals Delivered To You
Cited text: We are a registered service provider—meaning that, if you are a Home Care Provider, you can save as much as 70 per cent off the cost of our ready made meals...
Excerpt: Some services offer savings of up to 70 per cent off ready-made meals for eligible home care recipients
https://www.topnoshmeals.com.au/meals-for-the-elderly/
Aged Care & Home Care Meal Provider Australia | The Good Meal Co
Cited text: Your case manager or Home Care Provider will be able to let you know if home delivered meals are part of your package. To make it easy for you, we are...
Excerpt: your case manager or home care provider can let you know if home-delivered meals are part of your package
https://goodmeal.com.au/pages/aged-home-care-meals
Five frozen foods that could land you in hospital—why Australian seniors need to be extra careful | Seniors Discount Club
Cited text: Despite being extremely common, food poisoning has the potential to cause serious illness and even death, especially among vulnerable populations such...
Excerpt: older adults are at particular risk of dehydration and complications from foodborne illnesses, with conditions like Listeria infection being particularly dangerous
https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/...alian-seniors-need-to-be-extra-careful.82430/
Healthy eating for older adults | nidirect
Cited text: You might not always feel like cooking so you could increase your intake of tinned, chilled and frozen ready-prepared meals. Always make sure you heat...
Excerpt: When heating frozen meals, always ensure food is steaming hot all the way through
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/healthy-eating-older-adults
Five frozen foods that could land you in hospital—why Australian seniors need to be extra careful | Seniors Discount Club
Cited text: Older adults are at greater risk for severe illness from food poisoning, so don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms like p...
Excerpt: older adults are at greater risk for severe illness from food poisoning
https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/...alian-seniors-need-to-be-extra-careful.82430/
Healthy eating for older adults | nidirect
Cited text: ... As you get older it's natural to start eating less because you will become less physically active and so your body will adapt and adjust your over...
Excerpt: As you get older, your sense of thirst reduces, which means you might not always feel thirsty when your body is already dehydrated
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/healthy-eating-older-adults
Seniors Discount Club
Latest Articles
-
Australian men facing life-or-death battle as groundbreaking treatment vanishes from public hospitals
- Started by Gian T
- Replies: 0
-
ALDI's delivery revolution arrives: Your budget groceries now come to your door
- Started by Gian T
- Replies: 0
-
-
Are passengers really getting ruder on trains and buses? Passengers say so
- Started by Maan
- Replies: 0
-
End-of-life choices: Only 1 in 6 aged care homes tell you about THIS life-altering choice
- Started by Maan
- Replies: 0
