Americans’ love for frozen food is growing every day, according to inaugural address Frozen food future report In 2024, consumers will reach for frozen foods that offer flavor, snackability, health properties, and more.
Frozen food sales have normalized since the pandemic surge, but sales volume in 2023 was up 5% from 2019, outpacing overall food sales. The U.S. frozen food industry generates $77.6 billion in annual sales, with prepared meals (33%) and desserts (22%) accounting for the majority of dollar share.
Dietary variety and flexibility, easy preparation, and long shelf life make frozen foods always on hand for most Americans. But what will they be looking for in their freezer aisles in 2024? Conagra has identified his five trends that will set the stage for future growth and innovation in the industry.
Cuisine from around the world
As consumers seek to travel the world through taste experiences, they will expect to find more global cuisines in frozen format. Asian-inspired foods continue to be popular, with flavors like teriyaki and Korean BBQ and appetizers like dumplings, wontons and dumplings, while chicken tikka, samosas and butter chicken are among India’s fastest-growing flavors. This is the department. Consumers are also asking for more spice, and Sriracha and hot honey will instantly warm up frozen aisles.
frozen breakfast
Americans are turning to frozen foods for more flavor and time-saving breakfast options. This has led to his double-digit growth in breakfast sandwich volume and speed, with frozen croissant sandwiches, breakfast burritos and biscuit sandwiches being the most popular choices. Sales of frozen waffles, French toast, and high-protein products are also increasing.
little by little
The desire for snacking has led to a love for the smaller sizes of frozen meals. Last year, he generated 3 million internet searches for bites and minis, with the most common searches including egg bites, mini cheesecake, mini quiche and energy bites.
Meals for children
Over the past four years, children’s frozen food sales have increased by 122%. But parents aren’t just looking for easy meal options for their kids. Claims like clean label, “no added ingredients” and high protein are high on the wish list, and products that offer whole grains and added vegetables can help provide children with the nutrients they need. With the flavor they like.
Air fryer is ready
More than 6 out of 10 households now have an air fryer on hand, so it’s no wonder more and more frozen foods are being packaged with air frying instructions. Consumers find air frying to be a healthier, faster, and tastier way to enjoy foods like chicken, fries, and vegetables.
For more information on the future of frozen foods, please see below. Conagra full report.
