Joybuy Insights

Buying Ready-Made Stews: A Guide to Choosing Quick and Hearty Meals

Ready-made stews are practical when there is little time after work, when you need an uncomplicated meal during your studies or when you want an option that can be stored while camping. A tinned stew can usually be heated up easily and requires neither extensive preparation nor many additional ingredients.

Even so, it is worth taking a close look at the product information. Larger packs are not automatically cheaper, “homemade taste” is not a clearly defined product characteristic and a short preparation time says little about portion size or nutritional values. That is why the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer selection focuses on clear, easy-to-understand criteria.

Common pitfalls when buying tinned stew

1. Portion size and actual quantity are confused

An 800-g pack may initially appear to be a meal for several people. Depending on the recipe and appetite, however, it may amount to one large portion or two smaller portions. For people living alone, 300- or 400-g packs are often easier to plan for, while families and shoppers buying for their cupboards may benefit from larger tins or multipacks.

2. Ingredient descriptions are too vague

Terms such as “hearty”, “traditional” or “rich” do not describe flavour objectively. More informative details include the percentages of the main ingredients, the ingredients list and allergen information. For example, Erasco Hubertus Pea Stew contains 42% peas. Erasco Potato Stew with Sausages contains 47% potatoes and 5.8% sausage slices.

3. Allergens and storage are only checked after purchase

A tinned meal may contain wheat, celery, mustard, milk, egg, soya or sulphites, or may carry a warning about traces of these ingredients. Anyone who needs to take intolerances into account should compare the information on the product page with the packaging. Once opened, leftovers should be transferred to a non-metallic container and stored in the fridge. The recommended time for consumption varies from product to product.

Information to check before buying

Ingredient percentages and recipe

When assessing hearty stews, three details are particularly useful:

  • Percentage of the named ingredient, such as lentils, peas, beans or potatoes
  • Percentage of meat, bacon or sausages
  • Thickeners, flavourings and spices included

A lentil stew, for example, may be available with or without sausage. Sonnen Bassermann states that its 6-pack contains 30% lentils, 4.5% potatoes and 4% sausages. By contrast, the vegetarian “Jeden Tag Brown Lentils with Soup Vegetables” contains lentils, potatoes, carrots and leeks, but no meat ingredient according to the product description.

Nutritional values per 100 grams

Comparing products per 100 g prevents different pack sizes from leading to misleading conclusions. The key details include:

  • Energy content, if the meal needs to fit into a particular daily plan
  • Salt content, as ready meals can vary considerably depending on the recipe
  • Protein and fibre values, if you are looking for a filling combination
  • Fat and saturates

These values are not a health assessment. They are simply intended to support an objective comparison between products.

Preparation and storage

“Simply heat up” does not mean that every type of packaging can go straight into the microwave. Food from tins must be transferred to a microwave-safe container. For bowls or plastic packaging, follow the instructions concerning film, bain-marie heating, power settings and grill functions.

For storing products, a cool, dry place, an undamaged seal and the best-before date are also essential. A tin with a bulging lid, a leak or severe damage should not be used.

Our selection for different needs and everyday situations

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Jeden Tag Hearty Pea Stew 800g

Jeden Tag Hearty Pea Stew 800g

Why this product suits the profile: The 800-g pack is suitable for one large portion or for sharing. The recipe lists 40% peas and 6% bacon, making it a classic meat-based pea soup.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specific pea and bacon percentages are stated. Allergens such as wheat are also clearly listed.

Main benefit & strengths

800 g contents, 84 kcal and 1.0 g salt per 100 g according to the product information; suitable for keeping in the cupboard and preparing quick meals.

Suitable for: Quality-focused shoppers
Erasco Pea stew Hubertus 800 g

Erasco Pea stew Hubertus 800 g

Why this product suits the profile: The product description states that it contains 42% peas, smoked pork pieces and bacon. The tin is well suited to straightforward cupboard storage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The main ingredient is listed with its percentage. Celery and possible traces of other allergens are also included in the product information.

Main benefit & strengths

800 g net quantity, 88 kcal and 5.7 g protein per 100 g according to the product information; ready in just a few minutes.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent shoppers
Sonnen Bassermann Hearty Lentil Stew 6x400g

Sonnen Bassermann Hearty Lentil Stew 6x400g

Why this product suits the profile: The 6-pack of 400-g portions is designed for regular use, family households or planned cupboard storage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The individual portions help reduce leftovers once opened. Ingredients, allergens and the recommended fridge storage after opening are stated.

Main benefit & strengths

Six units, 30% lentils and 105 kcal per 100 g according to the product information; practical for lunches and stocking up.

Suitable for: Small households and individual portions
Erasco Potato Stew with Sausages 400g

Erasco Potato Stew with Sausages 400g

Why this product suits the profile: The 400-g tin is designed for one warm meal. Potatoes, carrots, leeks and slices of Bockwurst sausage make up a clearly recognisable recipe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion size is clear before purchase. The instructions specify transferring the contents to a suitable container for microwave preparation.

Main benefit & strengths

400 g contents, 61 kcal per 100 g and preparation in around four to five minutes according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Frequently asked questions about ready-made stews

How long does tinned stew need to be heated?

This depends on the quantity, container and appliance. On the hob, many 400-g products require around four to seven minutes over a medium heat. In the microwave, the instructions are often around four to six minutes at 600 watts. The contents should be stirred regularly and heated thoroughly according to the packaging instructions.

How long does tinned stew keep after opening?

Once opened, the stew should be transferred to a non-metallic, sealable container and refrigerated. Depending on the product, the recommended period is usually between 24 hours and two or three days. The information on the relevant label always takes precedence.

Which ready-made stews are suitable for storing?

Unopened tins and bowls that can be stored at room temperature are generally practical for the cupboard, camping trips or particularly busy working days. Before buying, check the best-before date, condition of the packaging, portion size and preparation required. Alongside lentil stew, pea stew, bean stew and potato stew, tinned goulash and international ready meals are also worth considering.