The ready meals and sauces market is expanding rapidly, driven by changing consumer habits and growing demand for convenience. Consumers are looking for quick options that do not sacrifice quality or taste, which has led to an increase in product innovation.
In addition, there is a clear interest in healthier and more natural options. The popularity of plant-based ingredients is also on the rise, reinforcing the need for products that respond to these preferences.
Overview: ready meals and sauces markets in Europe
READY MEALS MARKET IN EUROPE
Source: Innova DataBase, 2021-2023 Western Europe
This chart analyzes trends in food product launches in Western Europe between 2021 and 2023, highlighting key aspects such as convenience in packaging, preparation and time savings. The data reflects that consumers prioritize speed and ease of preparation, while there is a growing interest in products that are ethical and healthy, gluten-free/no additives/preservatives.
The figures reveal that while convenience remains a dominant factor, demand for sustainable and healthy options is on the rise, indicating that consumers are increasingly looking for products that align with wellness values and needs.
SAUCES MARKET IN EUROPE
Source: Innova DataBase, 2021-2023 Western Europe
The chart analyzes trends in food product launches in Western Europe between 2021 and 2023, highlighting key aspects such as convenience, sustainability and health. The data reflects that consumers prioritize speed and ease of preparation, while showing a growing interest in products that are ethical and healthy.
Preferences according to generation
Cooking with fresh ingredients continues to be a preference, especially among older generations. Boomers at 77% and Gen X 73% prefer this option, reflecting a trend towards home cooking. On the other hand, although still significant, the percentage is lower among Millennials at 69% and Gen Z at 60%.
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Dish customization is important for younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, who are looking to create their own versions of dishes with specific ingredients and flavors.
The use of premixes to facilitate the cooking process is more common among Millennials and Gen Z. This reflects the quest for convenience without sacrificing food customization.
Ready-to-eat meals are growing in popularity among Millennials at 24% and Gen Z as well. They are the generations most likely to opt for this alternative, valuing the time savings they offer.
Meal kits that include all the ingredients to cook at home are more appealing to Gen Z and Millennials. Although less adopted in older generations, this trend is growing, mainly among younger people who are looking for a balanced option between speed and health.
Top 4 trends in ready meals and sauces for 2024
Plant-Based: Variety of offers
Interest in plant-based products has grown significantly in recent years, with consumers increasingly turning to options that are not only healthier, but also sustainable and varied.
This type of innovation responds to the fact that, according to recent data, 50% of consumers worldwide consider it important for plant-based products to adopt familiar formats, facilitating the transition to plant-based eating without sacrificing taste or convenience.
This is reflected in the fact that the main factor for choosing plant-based products in 2023 was the perception that they are healthier, followed by their positive environmental impact and their ability to bring variety to the diet. In 2024, while health remains the dominant criterion, dietary variety has moved up the rankings, suggesting a greater interest in exploring more creative options within the vegan offering.
Burrito Bowl kit
Company: Somos Foods
This Mexican food brand offers different varieties of kits to prepare in less than 5 minutes and additionalplant-based garnishes and sauces.
Convenience: convenience without sacrificing quality or taste
In today's food landscape, innovations are increasingly focused on solutions that save time without compromising quality or taste. A clear example of this trend is the growing popularity of products such as liquid broths, which allow consumers to prepare tasty and nutritious dishes in a matter of minutes.
As the number of single-person households increases, so does the demand for individual formats that offer convenience without compromising on taste and nutrition standards. This is driving a change in food product offerings, adapting to new family structures and more dynamic lifestyles.
As for the ready mealsIn terms of ready meals, there is an increase in the demand for frozen products y meal kits that simplify the process of cooking at home, while still offering options that are quick, simple and healthy.
Looking ahead, these formats are expected to evolve further towards a wider offering of plant-based products. plant-based. Consumers, increasingly aware of the importance of a balanced and environmentally friendly diet, are looking for alternatives that combine these values with convenience, giving rise to a new wave of products that redefine the concept of "fast food" without compromising health and sustainability.
Vegan no steack pie
Company: Pukka
It is described as a type of patty made from tender pieces of soy protein flavored with Worcester sauce inside a puff pastry dough.
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Ingredients: The protagonists
Fostering positive consumer attitudes toward key product ingredients is a key strategy for success in today's marketplace.
Among the ingredients that stand out in this context, protein remains one of the most relevant. Over the past five years, it has experienced an overall growth of 14%, underscoring the growing demand for protein-rich products from consumers seeking more nutritious and functional options in their daily diet.
In terms of the statements that most influence the purchasing decision when buying ready-to-eat meals, consumers prioritize several key aspects.
First, quality is the main factor guiding their decisions. This is followed by the presence of natural or real ingredients, which remains one of the most valued demands. There is also a strong preference for products that do not contain artificial flavorings, colorings or additives, and last but not least, indulgence, as consumers are not only looking for healthy products, but also for options that provide them with eating satisfaction.
On the other hand, ingredients of marine origin, such as fish, shellfish and algae, are showing one of the fastest growth rates in the food industry.
Protein-rich ravioli
Company: Grand Italian
Reinforced with whey protein whey protein for a higher protein content
Enhancing the flavor of dishes
Fifty-seven percent of consumers use sauces to enhance the flavor of their dishes, while 35% use them to experiment with new flavors. In addition, 6 out of 10 regular consumers prefer sauces with milder flavors, indicating a preference for less intense options.
Range of ready meals
Company: Vasco & James
Range of ready meals inspired by different different flavors of the world
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