Market Insights Consumer Food Convenience Food

Ready-to-Eat Meals - United States

United States

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to €43.65bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 2.20% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (€137bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of €126.40 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 5.48bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 0.2% in 2025.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 15.7kg in 2024.

Key regions: Russia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India

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Analyst Opinion

The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market in the United States has seen minimal growth due to factors such as changing consumer preferences and the emergence of new dietary trends. This stagnant growth rate is further impacted by the increasing competition in the Convenience Food Market, as well as the limited innovation and product differentiation within the overall Food Market.

Customer preferences: As convenience becomes increasingly important in the American lifestyle, there has been a rise in demand for ready-to-eat meals that are quick and easy to prepare. This trend is particularly evident among busy millennials who prioritize convenience and are willing to pay for it. Additionally, there has been a growing preference for healthy and nutritious options, leading to an increase in demand for plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals. This shift towards healthier options is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of food choices on overall health and well-being.

Trends in the market: In the United States, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a surge in demand for plant-based and organic options. This trend is driven by increasing health consciousness and concerns over the environmental impact of traditional food production methods. As a result, major players in the industry are expanding their offerings to cater to this growing segment. This shift towards healthier and more sustainable options is expected to continue, presenting opportunities for industry stakeholders to innovate and meet evolving consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances: In the United States, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is influenced by the fast-paced lifestyle and busy work schedules of consumers. This leads to a growing demand for convenient, time-saving meal options. Additionally, the strong presence of major food companies and the popularity of online grocery shopping further drive the market growth. Moreover, the increasing health consciousness among consumers has led to the development of healthier and organic ready-to-eat meal options, catering to the demand for clean-label and natural products.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in the United States is heavily impacted by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, employment rates, and inflation. With a strong and stable economy and low unemployment rates, consumers have more disposable income to spend on convenient food options. Additionally, the growing trend of on-the-go eating and the rise of busy lifestyles have also contributed to the increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting healthy eating and the rising health consciousness among consumers have also influenced the market, leading to the development of healthier and more nutritious ready-to-eat meal options. Overall, the favorable economic conditions in the United States have created a conducive environment for the growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market within the Convenience Food Market, driving its expansion and innovation.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.