US Ready Meals Market

• Growing Demand for Food Products with Longer Shelf Lives is Driving the Market Growth

The market CAGR for ready meals is expanding due in large part to consumer knowledge of food goods with longer shelf lives. A product's shelf life is defined as the length of time it may be consumed safely without losing its intended qualities, including its sensory, functional, chemical, and microbiological qualities. People are searching for food that has a long shelf life since it is more convenient, less expensive, quicker, and comes in pre-portioned portions, like ready meals.

For instance, in June 2020, the demand for long-lasting products increased by up to 300%, according to Truebell LLC, a US-based food and beverage exporter. Therefore, the market for ready meals is expanding as a result of consumers' increasing knowledge of food products with longer shelf lives.

Throughout the projected period, a rise in the adoption of organic dietary practices and rising disposable income of US consumers are anticipated to present profitable growth prospects. Additionally, there will be greater growth potential due to the rising popularity of prepared meals that are also nutritionally sound. The market for ready meals will expand significantly as a result of all these factors. Furthermore, a number of new market entrants are adding nutrition to ready meals. The popularity of ready-to-eat organic meals is growing as people become more conscious of food safety and health issues.

Utilizing natural ingredients to create ready meals that may satiate people's hunger in a healthful manner is probably going to create new opportunities for the ready meal industry. As a result, the population that is health-conscious is satisfied with the ready meals that are centered on health. Since restaurants had to close as a result of restrictions put in place to stop the virus's spread during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, prepackaged meals have become more and more popular.

The enormous demand for different types of ready meals on the virtual platform led to a massive growth in the ready meal business online. Thus, driving the ready meals market revenue.

The Global US Ready Meals Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market size of 235.94 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 541.32 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory suggests a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.84% from 2025 to 2035. Such figures highlight the increasing consumer reliance on ready meals as a convenient dining option. The market's expansion is likely to be fueled by various factors, including evolving consumer lifestyles, health trends, and technological advancements in food production.

The Global US Ready Meals Market Industry experiences a notable increase in demand for convenience foods. As lifestyles become increasingly hectic, consumers are seeking quick meal solutions that do not compromise on taste or nutrition. This trend is reflected in the projected market size, which is expected to reach 235.94 USD Billion in 2024. The growing number of dual-income households and the rise in single-person households further contribute to this demand, as individuals prioritize convenience over traditional cooking methods. Consequently, manufacturers are innovating to create ready meals that cater to diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

In recent years, there has been a marked shift towards health consciousness among consumers, significantly influencing the Global US Ready Meals Market Industry. As individuals become more aware of the nutritional content of their food, there is a growing preference for ready meals that are low in calories, high in protein, and free from artificial additives. This trend is evident in the introduction of healthier ready meal options, which appeal to fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike. The market is likely to expand as manufacturers respond to this demand by reformulating existing products and developing new offerings that align with health trends.

The rise of e-commerce and online food delivery services is significantly impacting the Global US Ready Meals Market Industry. With the increasing penetration of the internet and mobile devices, consumers are turning to online platforms for their meal purchases. This shift is facilitating access to a wider variety of ready meal options, enabling consumers to explore different cuisines and dietary preferences from the comfort of their homes. The convenience of online shopping, coupled with the ability to compare products and prices, is likely to drive sales in the ready meals sector, further contributing to the market's expansion.

Technological advancements in food processing are playing a crucial role in shaping the Global US Ready Meals Market Industry. Innovations such as vacuum sealing, flash freezing, and improved packaging techniques enhance the shelf life and quality of ready meals. These advancements not only ensure food safety but also preserve the nutritional value of the meals. As a result, consumers are more inclined to purchase ready meals, knowing they can enjoy fresh-tasting food with extended shelf life. The integration of technology in production processes is likely to drive market growth, contributing to the projected CAGR of 7.84% from 2025 to 2035.

The Global US Ready Meals Market Industry is witnessing a diversification of consumer preferences, driven by globalization and cultural exchange. As consumers become more adventurous in their culinary choices, there is an increasing demand for international flavors and cuisines in ready meal offerings. This trend encourages manufacturers to innovate and expand their product lines to include ethnic and fusion meals, catering to a broader audience. The ability to adapt to changing tastes and preferences is essential for companies aiming to maintain competitiveness in the market, particularly as the industry is projected to grow to 541.32 USD Billion by 2035.

The US ready meals market area will grow at a significant rate. The need for quick and easy food, especially ready meals, is rising faster in the United States due to a number of factors, including changing social and economic patterns, higher spending on food and beverages, increased consumer awareness of healthy foods, changes in meal patterns and eating habits, an expanding number of expats relocating to the nation, and a desire to try new products. Prepared meals are preferred over traditional ones by people due to increased disposable income and an increase in the number of working women.

Additionally, college students need their meals to be accessible and convenient because they don't have a lot of time to eat during breaks. Various products have been developed by industry participants based on consumer preferences.

US Ready Meals Market Industry Developments

• Q2 2024: Nestlé USA Announces Opening of New Frozen Foods Manufacturing Facility in Ohio Nestlé USA opened a new manufacturing facility in Ohio dedicated to producing frozen ready meals, expanding its capacity to meet growing demand in the US market.
• Q2 2024: Conagra Brands Launches Healthy Choice Zero Ready Meals Nationwide Conagra Brands introduced a new line of Healthy Choice Zero ready meals, targeting health-conscious consumers with low-calorie, low-sugar options available across major US retailers.
• Q3 2024: Tyson Foods Appoints New President for Prepared Foods Division Tyson Foods announced the appointment of a new president for its Prepared Foods division, signaling a strategic focus on expanding its ready meals portfolio in the US.
• Q3 2024: Freshly Partners with Amazon to Expand Ready Meal Delivery Service Freshly entered into a partnership with Amazon to offer its ready meal delivery service through Amazon's online platform, increasing its reach to US consumers.
• Q4 2024: Blue Apron Launches New Microwaveable Ready Meal Line Blue Apron launched a new line of microwaveable ready meals, expanding its product offerings beyond meal kits to cater to consumers seeking convenience.
• Q4 2024: Tattooed Chef Announces $30 Million Series C Funding to Expand US Ready Meals Production Tattooed Chef raised $30 million in Series C funding to increase production capacity for its plant-based ready meals in the US market.
• Q1 2025: General Mills Unveils New Line of Organic Ready Meals Under Annie’s Brand General Mills launched a new line of organic ready meals under its Annie’s brand, targeting the growing demand for organic and convenient meal options in the US.
• Q1 2025: Kraft Heinz Opens New R&D Center Focused on Ready Meals Innovation Kraft Heinz inaugurated a new research and development center in Chicago dedicated to innovating and improving its ready meals offerings for the US market.
• Q2 2025: Stouffer’s Introduces Plant-Based Ready Meal Range Stouffer’s, a Nestlé brand, launched a new range of plant-based ready meals, expanding its portfolio to cater to vegetarian and vegan consumers in the US.
• Q2 2025: Home Chef Expands Distribution Through Kroger Partnership Home Chef expanded its distribution network by partnering with Kroger, making its ready meals available in more than 2,000 Kroger stores across the US.
• Q3 2025: Factor75 Announces Acquisition by HelloFresh to Boost US Ready Meals Market Presence HelloFresh acquired Factor75, a US-based ready meal company, to strengthen its position in the US ready meals market and diversify its product offerings.
• Q3 2025: Lean Cuisine Launches Gluten-Free Ready Meal Options Lean Cuisine introduced a new line of gluten-free ready meals, addressing the needs of consumers with dietary restrictions and expanding its product range in the US.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the ready meals market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their  footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, ready meals industry must offer cost-effective items.