Prepared Meals Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Frozen Meals, Chilled Meals, and Canned Meals), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global prepared meals market size was valued at USD 178.83 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 190.71 billion in 2025 to USD 291.27 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.24% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the prepared meals market with a market share of 33.65% in 2024.

Prepared meals are pre-packaged, fresh, and frozen. They require a little preparation besides heating up. Buyers' inclination for packaged "ready meals" with fewer preservatives and longer shelf life has augmented the demand for High-Pressure Processing (HPP) technology. This technology uses pressure spread by water to eradicate pathogens and other spoilage microorganisms. This advanced technology can enhance shelf life two to threefold without depending on preservatives.

In recent years, market growth has been associated with increasing consumer inclination toward processed and frozen foods. Nestle S.A., General Mills, Tyson Foods, and ConAgra Brands are the leading companies globally. Growing consumer preference for convenient, nutritious, healthy meal kit options will likely drive market growth. Emerging consumer purchasing power, expanding urbanization, and increased women's employment rate will drive market growth significantly.

Prepared Meals Market Snapshot & Highlights

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 178.83 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 190.71 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 291.27 billion
• CAGR: 6.24% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• Europe dominated the prepared meals market with a 33.63% share in 2024, led by high demand in the U.K., Germany, and France for premium, convenient, and nutritionally balanced ready meals.
• By product type, frozen meals are expected to retain the largest market share in 2025, driven by extended shelf life, convenience, and sustained nutritional quality compared to chilled and canned alternatives.

Key Country Highlights:

• U.K.: Strong consumer base for kids' ready meals; growth supported by collaborations like Mumsnet & Iceland Foods.
• United States: Surging plant-based meal innovations and integration of cloud kitchens in grocery retail models (e.g., Kroger, Walmart).
• Japan: High female workforce participation drives demand for convenient home meal options.
• China: Lockdown-induced home dining trends boost mass adoption of prepared meals.
• Brazil: Growth driven by millennial preferences, Western food influence, and premium packaged options.
• UAE: Rising chronic diseases and lifestyle changes support the launch of healthy frozen meals (e.g., “Fat Broccoli”).

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increased Demand for Convenience Foods Supports Market Growth

The demand for ready-to-eat and convenience foods has rapidly increased since they save time and effort for working professionals with hectic schedules. Millennials and Gen-Z are driving the introduction of premium quality products through their growing interest in innovative packaged foods. Furthermore, the rise in demand for more premium and nutritious ready-to-eat foods has been specifically intended for those who consider themselves ‘foodies’. Additionally, the augmented demand for convenient food allows formulators to innovate trending customer desires with an on-the-go solution that consumers can relish anywhere.

Increasing Penetration of Several Food Manufacturers to Propel Market Growth

Prepared meals are an easy and convenient option for consumers with busy lifestyles desiring food choices that combine quality, flavor, nutrition, and fuss-free preparation. Health is the most significant trend after convenience, driving innovation in the market. Manufacturers are articulating ready meals with ingredients that have explicit health benefits, such as antioxidants and oats. Witnessing the increasing demand for pre-packed meals among consumers, producers are currently launching natural and healthier ready meals products. For instance, in May 2024, Nestle SA, a key food & beverage product manufacturer, launched a new frozen food brand - Vital Pursuit. This brand offers products, including sandwich melts, pizzas, and frozen bowls, for GLP-1 Users and consumers who focus on weight loss and management. Increasing consumer-centric product development will drive the global prepared meals market growth.

Market Restraints

Growing Demand for Fresh Food and Rising Obesity to Limit Product Demand

Fresh foods are the superior substitutes for ready meals. Recent developments due to the COVID-19 pandemic indicate their rising popularity globally. The rising health consciousness, the predominance of lifestyle disorders, and the increasing expenditure capacity of consumers are the major factors surging the demand for fresh food. Regardless of the convenience of ready meals, the nutritional value associated with the food is comparatively lower. Moreover, keeping several preservatives and additives in food fresh and having a longer shelf life is expected to hamper the market growth in the near future.

Market Opportunities

Sustainable Packaging to Change Industry Landscape

In the prepared meal industry, branding and packaging are a few of the significant factors responsible for captivating customers and brand loyalty. As sustainability is of utmost importance to consumers, frozen food producers must try new branding and packaging strategies and choose the correct packaging material to preserve the product's taste, value, and color.  In February 2025, Papierfabrik August Koehler, one of the key packaging solutions manufacturing companies, developed a paper packaging solution for pack&satt, one of the emerging ready meals manufacturing companies. This solution provides ideal protection for “einpott” ready-to-eat meals, owing to extraordinary oxygen, mineral oil, and grease barrier properties. Adopting sustainable and eco-friendly packaging will change the global prepared foods market dynamics in the coming years.

Prepared Meals Market Trends

Consumer Shift Toward Organic Ready Meals is a Prominent Trend

In the pursuit of convenience and healthy foods, consumers have resorted to organic packaged and processed foods based on the belief that organic and natural foods are free of chemicals and comprise fewer artificial ingredients than conventional processed foods. Growing demand for convenient and organic food products, such as organic ready meals, is commonly related to consumer values and beliefs about health, with better nutrient content. Over the past few years, changing consumer lifestyles and expectations have led to a dramatic surge in demand for plant-based, clean-label, and organic ready meals. Consumers have come to relish the cuisines that offer them functional value in addition to taste, for example, organic, clean-ready, and healthy meals. Therefore, such organic meal options are promising to impact the industry's growth.

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Impact of COVID-19

Demand for prepared meals increased as the COVID-19 pandemic forced several consumers to stay at home, necessitating the purchase of ready meal products and leading to the current demand outstripping accessible supplies. Restrictions in production operations and the closure of plants have adversely affected pre-packed food production. Due to the lockdown and government restrictions, restaurant consumption was at a standstill, forcing restaurants and other food service operators to implement online delivery systems. Given the surging spread of the virus, implementing an online delivery system became essential. The market saw a shift in consumer patterns toward higher traction for online retail. Thus, the on-the-go food products and the rising demand for convenient food products resulted in the increasing launch of online meal delivery services. For instance, in 2020, as per Zomato’s financial performance report, the company recorded 105% revenue growth in 2020 compared to 2019. In addition, as per the company, the financial year 2020 was a defining one for online delivery systems, with a significant change in consumer behavior and an increasing adoption rate of online platforms among individuals.

Segmentation Analysis

By Product

Rising Consumer Preference for Fresh Products Boosted Frozen Meals Segment Growth

Based on product, the market is segmented into frozen meals, chilled meals, and canned meals. The frozen meals segment accounted for the largest share of the market and is among the most popular product categories globally. The product has an increased shelf life compared to chilled products, which helps sustain the product's nutritional quality and freshness. Thus, frozen ready meals are a more convenient substitute for chilled products, thus propelling the demand for frozen prepared meals. Consumers' demand for frozen meals intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the British Federal Association, in April 2021, the frozen category grew ahead of the retail channel at +11.5% and also ahead of its chilled and fresh categories.

Retailers are developing varieties of chilled meals and snacks that demand heating without any additional preparation before consumption. With supermarkets & hypermarkets stocking an ever-increasing variety of these meals, such as risotto, lasagna, curries, and gourmet soups, it’s simpler than ever to avoid fast food and consume healthy during their busy days. Several chilled meals have a longer shelf life, are value for money, and are nutritionally balanced, thereby simplifying the life of consumers. Therefore, such factors are attributed to the segment growth.

By Distribution Channel

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Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Held a Substantial Market Share, Owing to Availability of Multiple Brands

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets & hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others. The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment dominated the market, owing to the availability of a wide range of ready meals and ease of accessibility.

The online retail segment is a significant driver in increasing sales of these meals, as small quantities of products are arriving quickly with consumers, and local delivery services have quickly responded to these needs.

Prepared Meals Market Regional Outlook

Based on geography, the global market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Europe

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Europe emerged as the largest market in 2024. The market is expected to grow significantly due to factors such as the introduction of more exotic products, the push toward premiumization, and the influence of private labels. Moreover, in Europe, the U.K. leads the way in the consumption of these meals. Germany, the U.K., and France account for half of the European region's ready meals sales. Furthermore, the increased demand for convenience food products among consumers due to a hectic lifestyle boosts the market growth.

The U.K. is the leading market in the region. The prepared meal market, including items specially designed for kids, is witnessing considerable growth owing to ease of preparation and rising convenience. In today’s time, working parents are more dependent on easy-to-prepare meals, which can minimize the hassle of cooking. To overcome such challenges, parents based in the U.K. are seeking alternatives that can be quickly prepared for their kids. For instance, in April 2025, Mumsnet, a U.K.-based firm, launched frozen meals for kids by collaborating with Iceland Foods, a retail chain. 

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North America

The market in North American countries, such as the U.S. and Canada, is expected to witness substantial gains owing to increased demand for processed food and a surge in income levels among inhabitants. In addition, increasing demand for ready meals in the region has also impacted the business models of leading grocery retailers such as Target, Aldi, and Walmart. All the grocers, as mentioned earlier, have combined cloud kitchens and added packaged breakfast and dinner meals to grocery brackets. Moreover, in August 2021, retail giant Kroger announced a partnership with Kitchen United to offer these meals to the consumer for pick-up during their grocery visit.

The growing environmental concerns regarding animal agriculture and improved awareness of veganism have heightened the demand for plant-centric meals. Thus, to add convenience in their daily routine, individuals are opting for vegan meals such as frozen, canned, or chilled food items. For instance, in February 2025, Caulipower, a company in the U.S., introduced frozen plant-based pizza, “Dill Pickle Pizza,” made up of cauliflower. This pizza also comprises dill pickle brine, white béchamel sauce, and others, and is available for U.S. consumers.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is likely to witness significant growth in the foreseeable future. Japan and China accounted for considerable market share, and other developing countries such as India, the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia exhibit strong growth, owing to high potential and less saturation. The development of ready meals has been significantly sustained by the upsurge of women in Japan's workforce, creating substantial demand for saving time and effort in cooking meals for breakfast and dinner. Additionally, the market in China, the world's second-largest economy, has been primarily driven by caterers. However, the shift from restaurants to family dining tables in the last two years, with so many people staying home in the era of strict zero-COVID-19 mobility lockdowns and restrictions, has rapidly brought ready meals to the mass consumer market.

South America

The South American region is expected to show a robust demand in the ready meals market due to the surging inclination of millennials toward convenient food items. Moreover, other attributes such as premium packaging related to prepared food and extended shelf life products enhance the chances of the market’s growth.  Brazil is expected to witness strong growth in the pre-packed meals market due to increased Western influence in the region, which has increased the demand for convenient foods and beverages. Brazil is one of the significant food manufacturers globally, and it offers great opportunities for the food processing industries to introduce prepared meals.

Middle East & Africa

The rising dietary issues associated with modern lifestyles and the prevalence of chronic diseases have influenced Middle Eastern consumers to focus on their eating habits. To recover from such challenges, consumers are paying attention to healthy food products that benefit their health. Moreover, the government's increasing awareness of healthy convenience meals is further improving consumers' awareness of packaged meals. As a result, startups are trying to enter the Middle East & Africa region and introduce healthy meals for consumption.

For instance, in March 2022, Nowadays Trading, a startup firm, entered UAE and launched healthy frozen meals via its brand, “Fat Broccoli.” This brand offers frozen foods such as beef kofta and chilli con carne, available across hospitals, schools, gyms, airports, and other places.

Competitive Landscape

Key Market Players

Global Expansion and New Product Variations are Key Strategies Fueling Market Growth

The global prepared meals market share is highly fragmented, owing to the presence of many domestic and global companies. High focus on innovations, collaboration, and new product lines is a critical factor enabling key market players to address new market developments and gain a competitive edge to penetrate new markets. Several retailers have expanded their plant-based ready meals product range amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, Morrisons, Asda, and Aldi have invested in increasing their plant-based & vegetarian ready meals offer to enhance their proportion in the market.

Manufacturers are heavily investing in the ready-to-eat meals market, owing to increased demand. For instance, in February 2022, Beak & Johnston, an Australian ready meals manufacturer, projected to complete the construction of a new USD 90 million kitchen facility in Western Sydney after the sector had rapidly grown over the last few years. The growth in ready meals popularity has been attributed to multiple factors, including increasing demand for products rich in nutrients and supporting a healthy lifestyle, such as ingredients for detoxing or a cleanse.

List of Key Prepared Meal Companies Profiled

• General Mills (U.S.)
• Nestle S.A. (Switzerland)
• Tyson Foods (U.S.)
• ConAgra Brands (U.S.)
• Dr Oetker (Germany)
• Green Mill Foods (U.S.)
• The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.)
• M. Smucker Co. (U.S.)
• McCain Foods (Canada)
• Kellanova (U.S.)

Key Industry Developments

• April 2025 – DDC Enterprise Ltd., a leading multi-brand Asian company, signed a strategic agreement with Hewen Agricultural Technology Limited, a premium prepared-meal producer, to excel in D2C delivery of RTE food products, including meals, across Mainland China.
• July 2024 – Mars Food & Nutrition, a Mars, Incorporated business segment offering ready meals, launched new products to expand its ready meals space. Ben’s Original Street Food is a range of entrées being launched across the U.S. and Canada in four different meal bowls. Ben‘s Original Lunch Bowls include a range of tasty grain and vegetable bowls across the U.K.
• December 2021: McCain Foods invested USD 55 million in Strong Roots, a plant-based frozen food startup. Strong Roots specializes in frozen foods such as mixed fruit and vegetable browns, beetroot, and bean burgers.
• August 2021 – Nestle S.A. owned meal delivery service Freshly launched a new product line of vegan meals such as mac and cheese, burritos, and hearty burgers.
• June 2021 – Conagra Brands Inc., a packaged goods holding company, introduced a new plant-based frozen food product innovation, such as Healthy Choice Zero, Healthy Choice Max, and Banquet Mega Pizza.

Report Coverage

The prepared meals market research report offers qualitative and quantitative insights into the prepared meals industry. It focuses on significant aspects such as the competitive landscape, product, and distribution channel. Besides this, it offers insights into the various market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to these mentioned factors, it encompasses several other factors that have contributed to the market growth in recent years.

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Report Scope & Segmentation