Asda Express Haul: 10 Quick, Cheap Meals You Can Make from Convenience Store Staples

Short on time, cash and cooking gear? An Asda Express haul will save dinner tonight

If you’re a busy student, a shift-working parent or anyone who needs dinner on the double on a tight budget, this roundup is for you. Convenience stores like Asda Express put the essentials within a 5–10 minute walk — and as of early 2026 Asda Express has passed the 500-store milestone, making smart, cheap meals even easier to grab across the UK (Retail Gazette, Jan 2026). Below you’ll find 10 fast, tasty recipes you can assemble from items commonly found in convenience stores, plus practical hacks to stretch ingredients, save time and eat better without a full kitchen.

Why this matters in 2026: trends shaping convenience-store cooking

• Convenience store expansion: More Asda Express locations mean easier access to fresh staples and microwavable options, ideal for students and commuters.
• Plant-forward convenience: Late-2025 and early-2026 data show a continued rise in plant-based ready foods — look out for chilled vegan sausages, plant-based deli slices and hummus tubs.
• Budget-aware shoppers: Cost-of-living sensitivity has pushed value-format multipacks and meal-for-one pots onto shelves; you can build full meals from these everyday items.
• On-the-go tech and services: Same-day delivery, click-and-collect and local apps make a last-minute