Ready-to-Eat Meals Market Dynamics and Trends by 2030

Historic Data: 2020-2021 | Base Year: 2022 | Forecast Period: 2023-2030

Ready-to-Eat Meals Market Size and Forecasts (2020 - 2030), Global and Regional Share, Trends, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Type (Rice Bowls, Wraps, Salads, Burritos, Gravies and Curries, Noodles and Pastas, Pizza, Soups and Stews, Meat Entrees, Burgers, Sandwiches, and Others), Category (Gluten-Free and Conventional), and End User (HoReCa, Institutions, Households, and Others)

Report Date : Nov 2023
Report Code : TIPRE00020200

Category : Food and Beverages
Status : Published

Available Report Formats :
No. of Pages : 180

Page Updated: Jun 2025

Analysis Strategic Insights Market Drivers Regional Insights Report Scope Recent Developments FAQs

AI overview of Ready-to-Eat Meals Market

The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach a remarkable US$ 802.69 billion by 2030, up from US$ 472.23 billion in 2022, reflecting a robust CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2030. This market encompasses a diverse range of products, including rice bowls, wraps, and salads, catering to various consumer preferences, including gluten-free options. Key drivers of this growth include the rising demand for convenient meal solutions and the increasing sales through online channels. Additionally, innovations in packaging technology are shaping future trends, enhancing product appeal and accessibility. As the food service sector increasingly adopts ready-to-eat meals, the market share is expected to expand, making it a vital area for investment and analysis.

The ready-to-eat meals market is expected to grow from US$ 472,231.63 million in 2022 to US$ 802,689.21 million by 2030; it is expected to record a CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2030.

Market Insights and Analyst View

Ready-to-eat meals are instant food items that can be consumed on-the-go and without any hassle. Sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, burgers, noodles and pasta, curries and gravies, burritos, and rice bowls are a few of the widely consumed ready-to-eat meals. The lifestyle of people around the globe has changed dramatically due to the growing corporate sector, the rising number of dual-income households, and extended working hours. People prefer ready-to-eat meals to avoid cooking time and effort. This factor has significantly contributed to the growth of the global ready-to-eat meals market.

Based on category, the ready-to-eat meals market is categorized into gluten-free and conventional. The rising prevalence of gluten intolerance in the region, coupled with increasing awareness of the health benefits of gluten-free products, are the key factors driving the demand for gluten-free ready-to-eat meals. Also, as consumers have more comprehensive access to a variety of gluten-free ready-to-eat meal brands, the category is expected to witness massive growth in the coming years.

Customize This Report To Suit Your Requirement
You will get customization on any report - free of charge - including parts of this report, or country-level analysis, Excel Data pack, as well as avail great offers and discounts for start-ups & universities

Get FREE CUSTOMIZATION

Ready-to-Eat Meals Market: Strategic Insights

Get Top Key Market Trends of this report.
This FREE sample will include data analysis, ranging from market trends to estimates and forecasts.

Growth Drivers

The global ready-to-eat (RTE) meals market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by evolving consumer lifestyles, rising demand for convenience, and changing demographic patterns. The growing preference for high-quality, time-saving food options has made convenience food—including RTE meals, frozen products, and pre-packaged meals—one of the most prominent trends in the modern food industry. Consumers across all age groups are increasingly prioritizing ease of preparation and taste when selecting food products. According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), convenience is a key purchasing driver for millennials, while taste remains a primary consideration for baby boomers.

The rising prevalence of smaller households, dual-income families, and time-constrained professionals is accelerating the demand for RTE solutions. These meals offer not only convenience in preparation but also advantages in terms of storage, shelf life, and transportation due to advances in food preservation and cold supply chain technologies. Meal kit delivery services like Blue Apron and grocery delivery platforms such as Amazon Fresh and Instacart have further supported this trend, ensuring wide accessibility and enhanced consumer reach.

North America, particularly the US and Canada, is witnessing strong momentum in the RTE meals market due to an increase in workforce participation. According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), labor force participation reached 88.142% in 2022, up from 87.075% in 2021, signaling a greater need for convenient meal solutions among working adults. Additionally, the Canadian retail food industry recorded sales of approximately US$29.5 billion in 2022, marking a 20.9% increase from the previous year, further underscoring the sector’s recovery and resilience.

The surge in online grocery shopping, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has permanently reshaped consumer buying behavior, with digital platforms now serving as essential channels for RTE meal distribution. Well-established retail infrastructures—ranging from supermarkets and hypermarkets to online delivery services—are ensuring that RTE products are accessible, convenient, and increasingly integral to the daily lives of consumers. As a result, the RTE meals market is poised for continued growth, fueled by innovation, lifestyle alignment, and broader retail support.

Report Segmentation and Scope

The "Global Ready-to-Eat Meals Market" is segmented on the basis of type, category, end user, and geography.

Based on type, the market is segmented into rice bowls, wraps, salads, burritos, gravies and curries, noodles and pasta, pizza, soups and stews, meat entrées, burgers, sandwiches, and others. The noodles and pasta segment held the largest share of the global ready-to-eat meals market.
By category, the market is bifurcated into gluten-free and conventional.
In terms of end user, the market is segmented into HoReCa, institutions, households, and others.
Based on geography, the ready-to-eat meals market is segmented into North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, the UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Chile, and the Rest of South & Central America).

Segmental Analysis

Based on type, the ready-to-eat meals market is segmented into rice bowls, wraps, salads, burritos, gravies and curries, noodles and pasta, pizza, soups and stews, meat entrées, burgers, and others. The noodles and pasta segment held the largest share of the ready-to-eat meals market in 2022. The salads segment is expected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Ready-to-eat pasta meals are available in various types, such as spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, and macaroni. Pasta meals include protein sources such as shrimp, meatballs, chicken, and plant-based protein sources. Packaged pasta meals are designed for quick-serve and require minimal cooking. Ready-to-eat pasta meals are served in single-serving containers, thereby making portion control and reheating easier. Changing food consumption habits, busy lifestyles, exposure to diverse cultures, and increased demand for varied cuisine and convenience food are key factors driving the demand for ready-to-eat noodles. Manufacturers launch ready-to-eat noodles in several categories, such as vegan, gluten-free, or organic noodles, making it a more convenient meal option.

Regional Analysis

The ready-to-eat meals market is segmented into five key regions—North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa. The global ready-to-eat meals market was dominated by Asia Pacific and was estimated to be ~US$ 150 billion in 2022. The ready-to-eat meals market in Asia Pacific is segmented into Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. The growing urbanization and rising disposable income of the middle-class population propels the demand for ready-to-eat meals, including burgers, sandwiches, noodles, pasta, and pizza. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the total income of Asia Pacific countries increased by 3.5% in 2021, wherein China accounted for 0.3% in 2021 and 0.7% in the first half of 2022.

The total income grew by 12.4% in Central and Western Asia. Working professionals prefer convenient food options such as rice bowls, wraps, salads, rolls, gravies and curries, noodles and pasta, pizza, as well as soups and stews, owing to the rising disposable income, time constraints, and busy work schedules .

In terms of opportunities, the ready-to-eat meals market in Asia Pacific has significant potential for innovation. Manufacturers focus on product development to introduce new flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques to cater to consumers' diverse tastes and preferences. Moreover, targeting institutions such as schools, colleges, and corporate offices with customized meal solutions creates a new revenue stream for businesses operating in the Asia Pacific ready-to-eat meals market.

The influence of western lifestyles and cuisines is another major factor bolstering the demand for ready-to-eat meal products in Asia Pacific. However, price sensitivity among consumers presents a significant challenge to the progress of the ready-to-eat meals industry in Asia Pacific.

Industry Developments and Future Opportunities

Various initiatives taken by the key players operating in the global ready-to-eat meals market are listed below:

In December 2020, Nestlé SA launched Harvest Gourmet's plant-based ready-to-eat meals product line in China. The product line includes burgers, sausages, nuggets, mince, and plant-based options such as kung pao chicken, braised meatballs, pork belly, and spicy wok.
In June 2021, the US food processor "Tyson Foods, Inc." launched plant-based ready-to-eat meals in Asia Pacific.
In December 2020, Nestle SA's subsidiary Freshly Inc., the ready-to-eat meals delivery service, launched ready-to-eat meal products. These offerings are gluten-free, clean-label, and are made with whole-food ingredients.

Ready-to-Eat Meals Market Regional Insights

The regional trends and factors influencing the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market throughout the forecast period have been thoroughly explained by the analysts at The Insight Partners. This section also discusses Ready-to-Eat Meals Market segments and geography across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.

ready-to-eat-meals-market-global-geography

Get the Regional Specific Data for Ready-to-Eat Meals Market

Ready-to-Eat Meals Market Report Scope

Report Attribute	Details
Market size in 2022	US$ 472.23 Billion
Market Size by 2030	US$ 802.69 Billion
Global CAGR (2022 - 2030)	6.9%
Historical Data	2020-2021
Forecast period	2023-2030
Segments Covered	By Type Rice Bowls Wraps Salads Burritos Gravies and Curries Noodles and Pastas Pizza Soups and Stews Meet Entrees Burgers Sandwiches By Category Gluten-Free and Conventional By End User HoReCa Institutions Households
Regions and Countries Covered	North America US Canada Mexico Europe UK Germany France Russia Italy Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China India Japan Australia Rest of Asia-Pacific South and Central America Brazil Argentina Rest of South and Central America Middle East and Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of Middle East and Africa
Market leaders and key company profiles	Tyson Foods Inc SK Chilled Foods Fresh Grill Foods LLC Dandee Sandwich Co Taylor Farms Calavo Growers Inc Hearthside Food Solutions LLC EA Sween FreshRealm

Ready-to-Eat Meals Market Players Density: Understanding Its Impact on Business Dynamics

The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.

Market players density refers to the distribution of firms or companies operating within a particular market or industry. It indicates how many competitors (market players) are present in a given market space relative to its size or total market value.

Major Companies operating in the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market are:

Tyson Foods Inc
SK Chilled Foods
Fresh Grill Foods LLC
Dandee Sandwich Co
Taylor Farms

Disclaimer: The companies listed above are not ranked in any particular order.

Get the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market top key players overview

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic affected economies and industries in various countries. Lockdowns, travel bans, and business shutdowns in leading countries in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) negatively affected the growth of various industries, including food & beverages. The shutdown of manufacturing units disturbed global supply chains, manufacturing activities, delivery schedules, and sales of various essential and nonessential products. Various companies announced possible delays in product deliveries and a slump in future sales of their products in 2020. In addition, the bans imposed by various governments in Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America on international travel forced the companies to put their collaboration and partnership plans on a temporary hold. Moreover, the closure of slaughterhouses due to the lockdown negatively impacted the market growth. All these factors hampered the food & beverages industry in 2020 and early 2021, thereby restraining the growth of the ready-to-eat meals market.

Competitive Landscape and Key Companies

Tyson Foods Inc., SK Chilled Foods, Fresh Grill Foods LLC, Dandee Sandwich Co., Taylor Farms, Calavo Growers Inc., Hearthside Food Solutions LLC, EA Sween, FreshRealm, and TripleSticks are among the prominent players operating in the global ready-to-eat-meals market. These ready-to-eat meal manufacturers offer cutting-edge extract solutions with innovative features to deliver a superior experience to consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the drivers for the growth of the global ready-to-eat meals market?

The consumption of high-quality convenience food has become one of the biggest trends in the food industry. Convenience food, such as ready-to-eat products, ready-to-eat meals, and frozen products, allows consumers to save time and effort associated with ingredient shopping, meal preparation and cooking, consumption, and post-meal activities. Convenience and taste are the major desired attributes among consumers across the globe while buying food. According to the Food and Health Survey of the "International Food Information Council (IFIC)," convenience is a key driver for millennials while purchasing food. At the same time, taste is essential for baby boomers. Supermarket delivery services—such as Amazon Fresh and Instacart—and meal kit delivery companies—such as Blue Apron—have benefited from the rising preference for convenience and quality. Moreover, they find RTE food handling easy due to the existence of evolved cold supply chains. Such factors boost the demand for convenience food across the globe. Convenience foods such as ready-to-eat meals are gaining popularity owing to the increasing number of smaller households and dual-income families across the globe. Owing to their hectic work schedules, millennials prefer to be efficient with their time and avoid tedious tasks. Ready-to-eat meals are processed and involve preservation technology, thereby extending product shelf life. The efforts and time saved on food preparation and its convenience of storage and transport have further aided in boosting its demand. According to the “Food and Health Survey 2020” by the International Food Information Council, of 1,011 Americans (aged between 18 and 80 years), 19% of consumers ate more pre-made meals from their pantry or freezer.

In 2022, which region held the largest share of the global ready-to-eat meals market?

In 2022, Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest share of the global ready-to-eat meals market. The ready-to-eat meals market in Asia Pacific is segmented into Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. The growing urbanization and rising disposable income of the middle-class population propel the demand for ready-to-eat meals, including burgers, sandwiches, noodles, pasta, and pizza. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the total income of Asia Pacific countries increased by 3.5% in 2021, wherein China accounted for 0.3% in 2021 and 0.7% in the first half of 2022. Similarly, total income grew by 12.4% in Central and Western Asia. Owing to the rising disposable income, time constraints, and busy work schedules, working professionals prefer convenient food options such as rice bowls, wraps, salads, rolls, gravies and curries, noodles and portions of pasta, pizza, soups, and stews. Additionally, the growing tourism industry, encompassing the HoReCa industry, fuels the demand for ready-to-eat meals, offering tourists and travelers a taste of local and international cuisine without requiring lengthy preparation times.

Which product type segment is the fastest growing in the ready-to-eat meals globally?

Based on product type, the ready-to-eat meals market is categorized into rice bowls, wraps, salads, burritos, gravies and curries, noodles and pastas, pizza, soups and stews, meat entrées, burgers, sandwiches, and others. The salads segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during 2022–2030. Preparing salad requires vegetables, legumes, grains, meat, dressing, and other ingredients. Salad preparation also requires several steps, such as washing, cutting, or sauteing. Major market players offer pre-washed, ready-to-eat salad for convenient and hassle-free meals. Microgreens are added to enhance flavor and salad dressing, including black pepper, mustard powder, sugar, and salt. Manufacturers enhance salad portfolios due to the changing food consumption habits of health-conscious consumers.

Based on the category, which segment led the global ready-to-eat meals market in 2022?

Based on category, the ready-to-eat meals market is segmented into gluten-free and conventional. The conventional segment led the market. The demand for conventional ready-to-eat meals is expected to decrease as consumers are becoming more health-conscious and prefer healthy alternatives such as gluten-free ready-to-eat meals. However, conventional ready-to-eat meals are easily available in the market; thus, many customers prefer them based on their high availability. Further, the high demand for regular meals and the comparatively low price of conventional ready-to-eat meals drives the market for conventional ready-to-eat meals.

Can you list some major players operating in the global ready-to-eat meals market?

The major players operating in the global ready-to-eat meals market are Tyson Foods Inc, SK Chilled Foods, Fresh Grill Foods LLC, Dandee Sandwich Co, Taylor Farms, Calavo Growers Inc, Hearthside Food Solutions LLC, EA Sween, FreshRealm, and TripleSticks among others.

What are the trends observed in the global ready-to-eat meals market?

Ready-to-eat meals come in fresh or frozen form and can be purchased from retail stores or served in restaurants and institutions. Since ready-to-meals are pre-cooked, it is prone to contamination by microbes and requires suitable packaging that provides prolonged shelf life to the product. Innovations in ready-to-eat meal packaging include microwavable packaging, vacuum skin packaging, resealable packs, smart packaging, edible packaging, portion-controlled and single-serve packaging, and biodegradable packs. Food packaging innovations have significantly impacted the ready-to-eat meals market by increasing convenience, freshness, and sustainability. Manufacturers also offer ready-to-eat meals in retort-packaging due to their shelf-life enhancement of up to 18 to 24 months without refrigeration.
Ready-to-eat meals are also offered in packages with resealable closures, ensuring appropriate storage of unused or remaining food. Smart packaging containing ready-to-eat meals features an RFID tag, allowing consumers to access cooking instructions, ingredient details, and other information. Meanwhile, the rising pressure upon manufacturers to offer products that are environment-friendly continues to shift the concept of packaged food boxes toward more vegan/plant-based ingredients and the use of sustainable packaging with less plastic and waste. For instance, in September 2021, Walki-a, a company specializing in consumer and industrial packaging, introduced a tray portfolio for frozen and packaged foods, and they are claimed to be recyclable in paper streams. These newly launched trays include the Walki Pack Tray PET, with a thin PET lining that is classified as mono-material, making it suitable for recycling in paper streams. Similarly, in 2023, Amcor partnered with Tyson Foods to launch a sustainable package for consumer products. Tyson Foods offers egg bites and frittatas packed in AmPrima recycled ready forming/non-forming flexible film, featuring a 70% carbon footprint and addressing sustainable needs.
Thus, innovation in packaging technology is expected to create a new trend in the ready-to-eat meals market during the forecast period.

Research Manager

Habi Ummer

Manager,
Market Research & Consulting

Habi is a seasoned Market Research Analyst with 8 years of experience specializing in the Chemicals and Materials sector, with additional expertise in the Food & Beverages and Consumer Goods industries. He is a Chemical Engineer from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT) and has developed deep domain knowledge across industrial and specialty chemicals, paints and coatings, paper and packaging, lubricants, and consumer products. Habi’s core competencies include market sizing and forecasting, competitive benchmarking, trend analysis, client engagement, report writing, and team coordination—making him adept at delivering actionable insights and supporting strategic decision-making.

What are the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market report deliverables?

Historical Analysis (2 Years), Base Year, Forecast (7 Years) with CAGR
PEST and SWOT Analysis
Market Size Value / Volume - Global, Regional, Country
Industry and Competitive Landscape
Excel Dataset

Ready-to-Eat Meals Market Report Snapshots

Our Top Trending Reports

Testimonials

I wish to appreciate your support and the professionalism you displayed in the course of attending to my request for information regarding to infectious disease IVD market in Nigeria. I appreciate your patience, your guidance, and the fact that you were willing to offer a discount, which eventually made it possible for us to close a deal. I look forward to engaging The Insight Partners in the future, all thanks to the impression you have created in me as a result of this first encounter.

DR CHIJIOKE ONYIA MANAGING DIRECTOR, PineCrest Healthcare Ltd.

The Insight Partners delivered insightful, well-structured market research with strong domain expertise. Their team was professional and responsive throughout. The user-friendly website made accessing industry reports seamless. We highly recommend them for reliable, high-quality research services

YUKIHIKO ADACHI CEO, Deep Blue, LLC.

We worked with The Insight Partners for an important market study and forecast. They gave us clear insights into opportunities and risks, which helped shape our plans. Their research was easy to use and based on solid data. It helped us make smart, confident decisions. We highly recommend them.

PIYUSH NAGPAL Sr. Vice President, High Beam Global

I requested a report on a very specific software market and the team produced the report in a few days. The information was very relevant and well presented. I then requested some changes and additions to the report. The team was again very responsive and I got the final report in less than a week.

Jean-Herve Jenn Chairman, Future Analytica

Reason to Buy

Informed Decision-Making
Understanding Market Dynamics
Competitive Analysis
Identifying Emerging Markets

Customer Insights
Market Forecasts
Risk Mitigation
Boosting Operational Efficiency

Strategic Planning
Investment Justification
Tracking Industry Innovations
Aligning with Regulatory Trends

Your Key Concerns Addressed - Question & Answer

Can I view a sample of the report before purchasing?

Yes! We provide a free sample of the report, which includes Report Scope (Table of Contents), report structure, and selected insights to help you assess the value of the full report. Please click on the "Download Sample" button or contact us to receive your copy.

Is analyst support included with the purchase?

Absolutely — analyst assistance is part of the package. You can connect with our analyst post-purchase to clarify report insights, methodology or discuss how the findings apply to your business needs.

What are the next steps once I place an order?

Once your order is successfully placed, you will receive a confirmation email along with your invoice.

• For published reports: You’ll receive access to the report within 4–6 working hours via a secured email sent to your email.
• For upcoming reports: Your order will be recorded as a pre-booking. Our team will share the estimated release date and keep you informed of any updates. As soon as the report is published, it will be delivered to your registered email.

Can the report be tailored to suit my specific needs?

We offer customization options to align the report with your specific objectives. Whether you need deeper insights into a particular region, industry segment, competitor analysis, or data cut, our research team can tailor the report accordingly. Please share your requirements with us, and we’ll be happy to provide a customized proposal or scope.

In what format is the report delivered?

The report is available in either PDF format or as an Excel dataset, depending on the license you choose.

The PDF version provides the full analysis and visuals in a ready-to-read format. The Excel dataset includes all underlying data tables for easy manipulation and further analysis.
Please review the license options at checkout or contact us to confirm which formats are included with your purchase.

How secure is the payment process on your platform?

Our payment process is fully secure and PCI-DSS compliant.

We use trusted and encrypted payment gateways to ensure that all transactions are protected with industry-standard SSL encryption. Your payment details are never stored on our servers and are handled securely by certified third-party processors.
You can make your purchase with confidence, knowing your personal and financial information is safe with us.

Do you provide special pricing for buying multiple reports?

Yes, we do offer special pricing for bulk purchases.
If you're interested in purchasing multiple reports, we’re happy to provide a customized bundle offer or volume-based discount tailored to your needs. Please contact our sales team with the list of reports you’re considering, and we’ll share a personalized quote.

Can I connect with your team to discuss the report before buying?

Yes, absolutely.
Our team is available to help you make an informed decision. Whether you have questions about the report’s scope, methodology, customization options, or which license suits you best, we’re here to assist. Please reach out to us at sales@theinsightpartners.com, and one of our representatives will get in touch promptly.

Will I get a billing invoice upon purchase?

Yes, a billing invoice will be automatically generated and sent to your registered email upon successful completion of your purchase.
If you need the invoice in a specific format or require additional details (such as company name, GST, or VAT information), feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Is there support available if I can’t access my report?

Yes, certainly.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing or receiving your report, our support team is ready to assist you. Simply reach out to us via email or live chat with your order information, and we’ll ensure the issue is resolved quickly so you can access your report without interruption.

Buy Now

87-673-9708

ISO 9001:2015