The ready to eat food industry is constantly evolving courtesy of shifting consumer preferences. Trends like rising demand for plant-based options and high-protein meals are also contributing to the industry’s evolution. They are prompting ready to eat food companies to innovate to meet evolving consumer preferences and stay ahead of the competition. Let’s explore how consumer trends in ready to eat food are shaping product innovation
- Health and Wellness Trends
Modern consumers have become more health-conscious. As a result, they are seeking ready to eat foods that are healthy and align with their dietary goals. This is prompting RTE companies to develop innovative varieties, including
- High protein and low-carb meals
- Functional foods
- Vegan RTE options
Brands like Unilever and Nestle are leading the charge in plant-based products. They are striving to launch vegan RTE foods to meet rising demand from vegan and flexitarian population. Start-ups such as Daily Harvest are innovating with nutritionally balanced, whole-food-based meals for fitness enthusiasts and other health-conscious consumers.
- Clean Label and Transparency
Consumers demand transparency in ingredients. They prefer to consume organic, minimally processed foods with clear labeling. This hot trend towards clean label products is compelling RTE food companies to reduce usage of artificial ingredients like preservatives and colorants. For instance, companies like General Mills are introducing products with fewer artificial ingredients.
- Sustainable Choices
Sustainability is having a huge impact on purchasing decisions. Modern consumers prefer ready to eat foods with ethical sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and reduced carbon footprints. To address this, companies like Just Eat and Unilever are using compostable and reusable packaging. Similarly, players such as Danone prioritize sustainable ingredient sourcing.
- Customization
Consumers are also seeking personalization in their food choices. They want ready to eat meals tailored to taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and nutritional needs. This has led to customization in ready to eat products. For instance, Freshly and other meal kit services now offer customizable options.
Role of Technology in Helping Companies to Meet Ready to Eat Food Market Demand
Food technology advancements are paving way for the development of innovative RTE food products. Companies like Impossible Foods employ biotech to create plant-based meat alternatives.
Nestle and Tyson Foods use high-pressure processing (HPP) and microwave-assisted thermal sterilization to improve safety and shelf life of RTE foods. Smart packaging solutions like modified atmosphere packaging are being utilized to maintain freshness and extend shelf life of products.
Consumer preferences are undoubtedly playing a key role in shaping the course of the RTE food industry. They are encouraging companies to constantly innovate and adapt quickly. This will also significantly impact the overall growth of the RTE food industry.
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global ready to eat food industry size is projected to reach US$ 312.25 billion in 2032. Global ready to eat food demand will likely rise at a CAGR of 7.7% between 2025 and 2032.
Sources:
Online Journal: International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews
Company: General Mills
