By Ela Matters Staff 
There’s a hard line to draw between time and being healthy with your food. Often, it’s hard to fit in the time to ensure that healthy eating is had, especially within a busy daily routine. With this in mind, there has been a rise in ready-made meals within the industry as a way of aiding those who may not have quite as much time when it comes to meal prep. Shifting dietary habits, i.e., an increased move toward vegetarian or flexitarian diets, and the need for time-saving solutions has helped propel these types of meals to the forefront. It’s not everyone of course, but typically there are various demographics that utilize this type of meal, notably, working professionals, students, and families with multiple responsibilities.
Impressively, the market is showing just how huge this growth in ready-meal consumption really is. The global market is projected to hit nearly $300 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 7.3%. It’s also not region-specific either, though the US does lead the way with 41% to Europe’s 24%, and Asia-Pacific’s 20%. On top of this, it’s worth noting that 1 in 5 meals are now meat-free highlighting the increased use of plant-based options. By 2025, it’s predicted that 11.5 kg will be the global per capita consumption indicating that ready-meals really are one of the small daily choices that can aid in a more balanced lifestyle and support for modern well-being.
Nutritional Value, Budget, and Time — Finding the Right Balance
One of the biggest daily challenges is to be able to balance health, time, and grocery expenses. Ready-made meals or meal delivery kits are a great middle ground and can meet many of these specific needs. They’re instantly a healthier option than fast food, and quicker to eat and prepare than cooking from scratch. Better still, there are occasions where they are actually cheaper than grocery shopping, though this will depend on the food and the specific plan in place.
There are a growing number of companies leaning into this trend such as General Mills, Blue Apron, Factor, EveryPlate, and Nestle. Factor in particular stands out as it offers ready-made meals which are designed for specific dietary goals. These include keto, high-protein, or even calorie-smart plans. Impressively, these are prepared by chefs and delivered fresh to your door. Not only are the dishes and meals healthy and balanced, tailored to your needs, but they are also affordable. Factor, like many other ready-meal companies, offers promo codes that can be applied on their website. The dedicated page at Discoup US will tell you everything you need to know if you’re interested in Factor and the several options available. These deals can reduce the cost barrier to trying out premium, health-focused meals, especially those who are on a tight budget while trying to remain nutritionally balanced. With coupons such as these, ready-meals become available to a wider audience, ensuring that more people have access to healthy, balanced meals, no matter the budget.
Shaping the Future of Healthy Eating
This sector of the food industry, as outlined earlier, is growing at a rapid pace. Importantly, it is increasingly responsive to diverse consumer needs. This means that it is becoming more inclusive for a wide range of consumers. It’s increasingly important too, as there is a growing demand for allergen-friendly meals as well as special meals like gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based options. Already, 20% of the market in ready-meals are vegetarian or vegan meals, indicating just how important it is that these companies listen to their consumer-base and adjust their products accordingly.
Not only is food important, but being sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and transparent too. A whopping 77% of consumers are looking for eco-friendly packaging and over 85% want clear product visibility and labeling. As such, brands are exploring global cuisines, using local produce, checking out ingredient diversity, and offering more personalized nutritional profiles to stay ahead of the game and meet their customers needs.
Of course, it’s still not about being perfect, but rather making good everyday choices. Using ready-meals throughout the week can help to create a more balanced, healthier lifestyle, while saving money and time in the kitchen. Evolving food options are now giving people far more flexibility, allowing them to make better decisions without the need to overspend, or waste hours in the kitchen creating something healthy.