Trends in Prepared Meals & Frozen Foods

Consumers are beginning to get busy again, filling up their schedules as they return to post-pandemic life. With that comes increased demand for faster, more convenient food options. Attention spans are getting shorter, and consumers tend to get tired of “more of the same” faster, making the prepared meal and frozen food categories ideal for innovation. Keep reading for our takes on how to bring a “wow” factor to these products to grab consumers’ attention – and keep them coming back for more.

Superior Value

When it comes to prepared meals and frozen foods, consumers are looking for premium options with sophisticated ingredients and upscale vibes. With inflation still at some of the highest levels in recent history, consumers will be looking to the prepared meal and frozen food aisles to replace eating at restaurants. They will not, however, want to sacrifice quality, even at a lower price point. So, they will be expecting brands to push the limits and create high quality, sophisticated prepared meals that allow them the convenience of going out to eat without the price tag.

When it comes to looking for flavor inspiration, foodservice is where it’s at. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: what starts trending in foodservice eventually makes its way into retail. To get ahead of the curve, pay close attention to the ingredients, cuisines, and flavor profiles that are just beginning to pick up steam in foodservice – and especially fine dining.

Innovating with Global Inspirations

Global foods and flavors are becoming mainstays in American consumers’ diets as they’ve used the pandemic to expand their horizons and view food as a means of exploration. Even with the pandemic in our rearview, they’ll continue to be interested in trying new and exciting foods and flavors from around the world – but from the comfort of their homes. The frozen food category is ideally suited for introducing exotic global cuisines to consumers. Look to the cuisines that are trending on social media and in foodservice for inspiration. Right now, African cuisine is winning big with younger consumers, while Asian cuisines, and especially Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai, are gaining popularity with consumers of all ages.

Consumers have shown increased interest in trying curries from around the world, due to their bold and spicy flavor profiles, perceived health benefits, and variety. Get inspired by curries like Indian style goan curry, Ethiopian style doro wat, and Thai massaman curry for prepared meals that consumers will be totally obsessed with.

Prepared Plant-Based Meals

Health and wellness continue to be among the top drivers of interest in new products, as consumers are prioritizing making improvements to their diets. This trend, along with increased environmental consciousness, has given rise to the plant-based food trend. Consumers are all about finding new ways to incorporate vegetables, in particular, into their diets in new and exciting formats to support their health and wellness goals.

Look to trending plant-based ingredients as a starting point for innovation. Mushrooms, cauliflower, and chickpeas are winning over consumers right now, for example. Swap cauliflower in for carbs for healthier alternatives that allow consumers to up their vegetable intake. Think cauliflower cilantro lime rice or cauliflower pizza crust. Claims related to protein are also in demand with consumers, so look for ways to emphasize plant-based proteins in everything from frozen side dishes to ready-to-eat meals.

Looking to innovate with your prepared meal or frozen food products? Our R&D experts have got you covered! Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help make you something special.