Why personal trainers are raving about this ‘ultimate’ fitness meal at Aldi – and it costs just $9.99: ‘It’s our best kept secret’

A simple ready-made dinner from Aldi is gaining attention online after an Australian fitness coach revealed it contains nearly 100 grams of protein – and costs less than $10.

Aldi’s Prosciutto Wrapped RSPCA Approved Chicken Breast Parmigiana two-pack ($9.99) contains a cheese and tomato parmigiana filling, and the supermarket suggests pairing it with a side salad for a quick and easy dinner.

But for fitness coach Jesse Annetts, the grocery staple has become something of a high-protein hack.

Sharing the find with his followers on Instagram, Annetts said the meal – when eaten with Spud Lite potatoes – delivered an impressive protein hit without costing much.

‘100g protein Aldi secret,’ he wrote, referring to the combination.

The trainer explained the full meal with potatoes cost around $12 and contained roughly 750 calories.

‘If you’re still someone who thinks eating healthy and getting your macros in is difficult and expensive, you’re lying to yourself.’

He added that while the calorie count might be high for some people, the portion could easily be split in half.

For Annetts, though, nutrition numbers are only part of the equation.

‘To a degree, price and macros don’t mean anything if it tastes really, really bad,’ he said.

‘It’s delicious. It’s not difficult [to make]. If you are someone who is struggling with ideas, I can’t recommend this enough.’

He suggested buying several at once and keeping them ready to go.

‘Just go buy a few, put it in the freezer, chuck it in the fridge. It’s going to go a really long way.’

The post quickly resonated with shoppers and fitness fans alike, many of whom said they were heading straight to Aldi to try it themselves.

‘Went to Aldi, couldn’t get it out of my mind – had to get it,’ one person wrote.

‘I’m running to Aldi right now,’ another added.

Others said Aldi’s ready-made meals were surprisingly good.

‘Aldi’s single-serve ready meals are shockingly decent,’ one commenter said.

But some pointed out the cost might still add up for bigger households.

‘That’s great for a couple or a single person, but might be too expensive for a family,’ another person noted.

The popularity of the post reflects Australia’s growing obsession with protein.

From supermarket snacks to protein yoghurts, cereals and drinks, brands are increasingly highlighting protein content as shoppers look for foods that support fitness and wellbeing goals.

The trend is closely tied to the rise of wellness culture across the country, with early morning run clubs, gym communities, and social fitness groups becoming increasingly popular.

For many Australians trying to balance busy schedules with healthier eating habits, quick high-protein meals are becoming a go-to option.

While the chicken parmigiana delivers a solid protein boost, many commenters recommended adding vegetables to increase fibre and round out the meal nutritionally.

Simple options that pair well with the dish include steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, green beans, or a fresh side salad with leafy greens.

Roasted zucchini, capsicum, and cherry tomatoes can also complement the rich tomato and cheese filling.

For those following the trainer’s suggestion of pairing it with Spud Lite potatoes, the combination creates a filling, high-protein dinner that can be prepared quickly – something many busy Australians are increasingly looking for.

And judging by the reaction online, this under-$10 Aldi find may soon be finding its way into plenty more shopping trolleys.