Ready Meals Market Outlook
According to a report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global ready meals market size achieved a value of USD 149.21 billion in 2024. With the increasing demand for convenience food, coupled with evolving consumer lifestyles and dietary preferences, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a value of USD 230.24 billion by 2033.
Ready meals, also known as convenience meals or pre-prepared meals, are food products that require little or no preparation, typically just heating before consumption. These meals are typically sold in a variety of formats such as frozen, chilled, or ambient, catering to consumers seeking fast, easy, and nutritious meal solutions. The growing demand for these products is driven by time constraints, increased disposable incomes, and an overall shift towards on-the-go lifestyles, particularly among urban populations.
As busy professionals, young families, and students increasingly turn to ready-to-eat options, the market has expanded, with manufacturers diversifying their offerings to include a wide range of cuisines, dietary preferences, and health-conscious choices. This trend is expected to continue as convenience continues to be a priority for modern consumers. Moreover, technological advancements in food preservation, packaging, and production methods are enhancing the availability and quality of ready meals, driving the global market forward.
Key Drivers of Market Growth
The primary drivers of growth in the ready meals market include the rising demand for convenience, an increase in disposable incomes, and growing urbanisation. As urban lifestyles become more hectic, individuals are seeking easy meal solutions that fit their busy schedules. Ready meals cater to this need, offering quick and convenient dining options for individuals who may not have the time or desire to cook from scratch.
The increasing number of working women and dual-income households is another major factor contributing to the ready meals market’s expansion. With more individuals entering the workforce, the demand for ready-to-eat meals is growing, as these meals reduce time spent on meal preparation. This shift is especially evident in regions like North America, Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific, where convenience and time-saving solutions are highly valued.
In addition to convenience, there is a growing preference for variety in ready meal options. Consumers are increasingly interested in trying diverse cuisines and exploring new tastes without needing to visit restaurants. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by offering an extensive array of ready meal options that cater to global tastes and dietary needs. From traditional comfort foods to international dishes, ready meals are designed to provide consumers with restaurant-quality meals at home.
Health and wellness trends are also influencing the ready meals market. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a rising demand for healthier meal alternatives, such as low-calorie, gluten-free, organic, and low-sodium options. Ready meal manufacturers are innovating to offer nutritionally balanced meals that cater to these dietary preferences, ensuring that convenience does not come at the expense of nutrition. This shift is further supported by the increasing popularity of plant-based and vegetarian diets, with many ready meal providers introducing plant-based alternatives to cater to these growing demands.
Get a Free Sample Report with Table of Contents@Â https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/ready-meals-market/requestsample
Technological Innovations
Advancements in food technology have played a pivotal role in the evolution of the ready meals market. Manufacturers are adopting innovative techniques in food preservation, packaging, and production to meet consumer demand for fresher, more convenient, and healthier meal options. Technologies like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging have significantly improved the shelf-life and freshness of ready meals, while also maintaining nutritional value and taste.
Frozen ready meals, in particular, have benefited from these technological improvements. The use of blast freezing and other advanced freezing methods has enabled manufacturers to offer a greater variety of frozen meals with improved texture, flavor, and nutritional content. This has helped to dispel the perception that frozen meals are inferior to freshly prepared meals, further contributing to the market’s growth.
Moreover, the development of smart packaging is enhancing the consumer experience. Packaging innovations, such as easy-to-open containers and microwave-safe materials, have improved the convenience of ready meals. In addition, some ready meal packaging now includes QR codes or digital instructions that provide information on the meal’s ingredients, nutritional content, and preparation tips, further enhancing the convenience and transparency of the product.
Ready Meals Market Segmentation
The market can be divided based on product, meal type, distribution channel, and region.
Market Breakup by Product
- Frozen
- Chilled
- Canned
- Shelf-stable
Market Breakup by Meal Type
- Vegetarian
- Non-vegetarian
- Vegan
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
- Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Online
- Others
Market Breakup by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Competitive Landscape
The EMR report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the global ready meals market. Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:
- Nestle S.A.
- Mars, Incorporated
- General Mills Inc.
- Dr. August Oetker Nahrungsmittel KG
- Tyson Foods, Inc.
- Conagra Brands, Inc.
- Hormel Foods, LLC
- McCain Foods Ltd.
- Nomad Foods
- Boparan Holdings Limited
- Others
Market Challenges
Despite the strong growth of the ready meals market, there are challenges that manufacturers must address. One of the key issues is the growing concern over the nutritional content of ready meals. Many ready-to-eat meals are often perceived as unhealthy due to their high levels of salt, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. As health-conscious consumers increasingly demand healthier alternatives, manufacturers must innovate to offer low-calorie, low-sodium, and preservative-free options without compromising on taste and convenience.
Moreover, the rising environmental concerns related to packaging waste and sustainability are placing pressure on the ready meals industry. Packaging materials, particularly plastic, have come under scrutiny due to their environmental impact. In response, manufacturers are investing in sustainable and recyclable packaging materials, in line with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.
Media Contact:
Company Name: Claight Corporation
Contact Person: George buttler, Corporate Sales Specialist – U.S.A.
Email:Â sales@expertmarketresearch.com
Toll Free Number: +1-415-325-5166 | +44-702-402-5790
Address: 30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA
Website:Â http://www.expertmarketresearch.com
Aus Site:Â https://www.expertmarketresearch.com.au
