Ready Meals Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, By Product Type, By Sales Channel, By Meal Type, By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Description

Global Ready Meals Market was valued at USD 91.07 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 109.36 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.15% during the forecast period. The global ready meals market is witnessing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer preference for convenient, time-saving food options amid fast-paced lifestyles. Urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the growing number of working individuals are boosting demand for ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and frozen meals. Manufacturers are focusing on improving nutritional profiles, clean labeling, and diverse product offerings to cater to evolving consumer preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and organic options. Technological advancements in packaging and preservation techniques are enhancing shelf life and product safety. Additionally, the expansion of e-commerce and retail channels is further fueling market accessibility and growth across developed and emerging regions.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 91.07 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 109.36 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	3.15%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Convenience and Time-Saving Solutions

One of the most significant drivers of the global ready meals market is the increasing consumer demand for convenience. As modern lifestyles become increasingly hectic, particularly in urban centers, consumers are seeking time-efficient food solutions that do not compromise on taste or quality. The surge in dual-income households, longer working hours, and a decline in home cooking skills have further contributed to the popularity of ready meals. These products offer a practical alternative to cooking from scratch, providing a quick, easy-to-prepare solution for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ready meals whether frozen, chilled, or shelf-stable require minimal preparation, often involving just heating before consumption. This convenience factor strongly resonates with millennials, Gen Z, and busy professionals who prioritize ease and speed in meal preparation. According to a 2024 study, over 83% of U.S. consumers reported consuming frozen or ready-to-eat meals weekly to save time and simplify meal planning.

Key Market Challenges

Health and Nutrition Concerns

Despite the growing popularity of ready meals, health and nutrition remain a major challenge for the market. Consumers are increasingly aware of the potential health risks associated with processed foods, including high levels of sodium, saturated fats, preservatives, and artificial additives. Many traditional ready meals are perceived as being unhealthy, contributing to issues like obesity, hypertension, and heart disease. This negative perception creates a barrier to market growth, especially among health-conscious consumers who prioritize fresh, minimally processed meals.

While there has been a push towards reformulating ready meals to make them healthier, maintaining taste, texture, and shelf life while reducing unhealthy ingredients is complex and costly. Additionally, clean-label requirements such as the removal of synthetic additives, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers are putting pressure on manufacturers to invest in new recipes and ingredient sourcing. These changes must also comply with stringent food regulations across various regions, adding further complexity and expense.

Key Market Trends

Rise of Health-Conscious and Clean-Label Ready Meals

One of the most significant trends transforming the global ready meals market is the growing consumer preference for healthier, clean-label products. As awareness of diet-related health issues increases, consumers are scrutinizing ingredient lists more closely. This trend is driving demand for ready meals that are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and additives, and instead made with natural, whole-food ingredients. According to 2024 Clean Label Consumer Study, over 75% of global consumers prefer ready meals with simple, recognizable ingredients and no artificial additives, highlighting strong momentum for clean-label innovation.

Manufacturers are responding by reformulating existing products or introducing new lines that emphasize low sodium, low sugar, reduced fat, high protein, and fiber-rich content. In addition, there's a growing popularity of ready meals that cater to specific dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, paleo, low-carb, and organic options. Clean-label transparency also means including fewer but more recognizable ingredients, often with clear front-of-pack labeling. This health-focused trend is not only reshaping the product landscape but also positioning premium, better-for-you options as key growth drivers within the market.

Key Market Players

Nestle S.A.
Conagra Brands Inc.
The Kraft Heinz Company
Nomad Foods Limited
Tyson Foods Inc.
Unilever PLC
Hormel Foods Corporation
Mars, Incorporated
Campbell Soup Company
Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Ready Meals Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Ready Meals Market, By Product Type:

Frozen
Chilled
Canned
Others

Ready Meals Market, By Sales Channel:

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Online
Others

Ready Meals Market, By Meal Type:

Vegetarian
Non-vegetarian

Ready Meals Market, By Region:

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Germany
- Spain
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Indonesia
South America
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Brazil
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Turkey

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Ready Meals Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Ready Meals Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Introduction

1.1. Product Overview
1.2. Key Highlights of the Report
1.3. Market Coverage
1.4. Market Segments Covered
1.5. Research Tenure Considered

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Methodology Landscape
2.2. Objective of the Study
2.3. Baseline Methodology
2.4. Formulation of the Scope
2.5. Assumptions and Limitations
2.6. Sources of Research
2.7. Approach for the Market Study
2.8. Methodology Followed for Calculation of Market Size & Market Shares
2.9. Forecasting Methodology

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

4. Voice of Customer

4.1. Brand Awareness
4.2. Factors Influence Purchase Decision

5. Global Ready Meals Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Product Type (Frozen, Chilled, Canned, Others)
- 5.2.2. By Sales Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online, Others)
- 5.2.3. By Meal Type (Vegetarian, Non-vegetarian)
- 5.2.4. By Region
- 5.2.5. By Company (2024)
5.3. Market Map

6. North America Ready Meals Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Product Type
- 6.2.2. By Sales Channel
- 6.2.3. By Meal Type
- 6.2.4. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Meal Type
- 6.3.2. Canada Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Meal Type
- 6.3.3. Mexico Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Meal Type

7. Europe Ready Meals Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Product Type
- 7.2.2. By Sales Channel
- 7.2.3. By Meal Type
- 7.2.4. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. France Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Meal Type
- 7.3.2. Germany Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Meal Type
- 7.3.3. Spain Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Meal Type
- 7.3.4. Italy Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Meal Type
- 7.3.5. United Kingdom Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Meal Type

8. Asia-Pacific Ready Meals Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Product Type
- 8.2.2. By Sales Channel
- 8.2.3. By Meal Type
- 8.2.4. By Country
8.3. Asia-Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Meal Type
- 8.3.2.Japan Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Meal Type
- 8.3.3. India Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Meal Type
- 8.3.4. South Korea Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Meal Type
- 8.3.5. Indonesia Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Meal Type

9. Middle East & Africa Ready Meals Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Product Type
- 9.2.2. By Sales Channel
- 9.2.3. By Meal Type
- 9.2.4. By Country
9.3. MEA: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. South Africa Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Meal Type
- 9.3.2. Saudi Arabia Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Meal Type
- 9.3.3. UAE Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Meal Type
- 9.3.4. Turkey Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 9.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.4.2.1. By Product Type
    - 9.3.4.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 9.3.4.2.3. By Meal Type

10. South America Ready Meals Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Product Type
- 10.2.2. By Sales Channel
- 10.2.3. By Meal Type
- 10.2.4. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Meal Type
- 10.3.2. Argentina Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Meal Type
- 10.3.3. Colombia Ready Meals Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Sales Channel
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Meal Type

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Disruptions: Conflicts, Pandemics and Trade Barriers

14. Porters Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Company Profiles
- 15.1.1. Nestle S.A.
  - 15.1.1.1. Business Overview
  - 15.1.1.2. Company Snapshot
  - 15.1.1.3. Products & Services
  - 15.1.1.4. Financials (As Per Availability)
  - 15.1.1.5. Key Market Focus & Geographical Presence
  - 15.1.1.6. Recent Developments
  - 15.1.1.7. Key Management Personnel
- 15.1.2. Conagra Brands Inc.
- 15.1.3. The Kraft Heinz Company
- 15.1.4. Nomad Foods Limited
- 15.1.5. Tyson Foods Inc.
- 15.1.6. Unilever PLC
- 15.1.7. Hormel Foods Corporation
- 15.1.8. Mars, Incorporated
- 15.1.9. Campbell Soup Company
- 15.1.10. Ajinomoto Co., Inc.