Convenience rules today’s food world, and prepared meals are absolutely running the show. From quick grab-and-go options to hearty family-sized dinners, ready-to-eat meals have taken grocery stores by storm.
With busy schedules left and right, it’s no shock that 84% of shoppers check out at least one section of the prepared-foods aisle when they shop. Even better, 72% buy these meals at least sometimes, and more than 76% say the variety and quality of prepared foods play a big role in which store they pick. Grocery stores are feeling the love, too—three-quarters of them saw foodservice sales go up last year.1
Why Prepared Meals?
The future looks bright for this growing trend, and there’s a huge opportunity for grocery operators to step up their game. Let’s dig into why prepared meals are a big deal, how innovative foodservice products—like those from Michael Foods—are shaking things up, and how you can use these insights to attract more happy, hungry shoppers.
- Win over busy shoppers. Life is hectic, and people are juggling work, families, and everything in between. Prepared meals give them the convenience they crave—fresh, tasty food without the hassle of preparing ingredients and cooking. From grab-and-go dishes to ready-to-eat family dinners, you’re saving them time and becoming their go-to store for quick and cozy meals.
Take comfort food to the next level with Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Potato Hash, featuring Simply Potatoes® Red Skin Diced Potatoes topped with steak, charred green peppers, onions and provolone cheese.
- Keep it cooking all day long. Prepared meals aren’t just for lunch or dinner. Breakfast options like wraps and hash bowls keep sales flowing from morning to night. With a mix of options, your department can turn slow times into profit-packed opportunities.
Try the Jalapeño Relleno Breakfast Wrap, starring Simply Potatoes® Red Skin Diced Potatoes, Papetti’s® Spicy Egg Patty Jalapeño, red onion and lime crema. Breakfast is booming, and this spicy, zesty wrap is just what shoppers are craving. The red skin diced potatoes add heartiness and texture, and when you wrap it all up in a tortilla, you’ve got the perfect grab-and-go breakfast.
- Be a standout store. Your department can be the reason shoppers keep coming back. High-quality meals with creative flavors and eye-catching presentations can help you stand out in a crowded market.
These unique Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers are quick and easy to make with Cheesy Hash Brown Bake, jalapeños and crispy bacon as the perfect side. This offering packs a punch with smoky, spicy flavors that wow from lunch to dinner.
The Perfect Partner for Prepared Foods
With pre-prepped potatoes like red skin diced potatoes or cheesy hash brown bakes, you can scale your offerings without piling on extra work in the kitchen. From breakfast to dinner, these products make it easy to create consistent, high-quality prepared meals your customers will love.
Turn your prepared foods department into a destination for flavor and convenience. Start exploring more innovative recipes from Michael Foods today.
Sources:
1Supermarket Prepared, Datassential, 2023
