Global Flavors Go Frozen

Frozen food manufacturers are cornering the consumer product market for globally inspired foods and snacks, and the potential opportunity appears to be significant. In its report titled The Future of Frozen Food 2025, Conagra Brands put the size of the U.S. frozen meals market at $28.9 billion, citing data from Circana.

Global cuisines are now second only to poultry as the most frequent dinner option for meals eaten at home, according to Circana’s National Eating Trends Survey. Thirty-seven percent of meal preparers say they are very interested in global recipes with bold/exciting flavors, according to data from FMI, The Food Industry Association.

Indian, Cajun, and Japanese are the fastest-growing globally inspired frozen meals, according to Conagra Brands. Datassential reports that consumers consider Mediterranean and Japanese fare to be the healthiest global cuisines.

Millennials and Gen Zers, who have the highest interest in international cuisines, drove a 54% increase in spending on frozen foods last year, per Conagra Brands. In its report, Conagra Brands points to the growing diversity of the U.S. population as a key indicator of the growth potential of global cuisines and bold flavor combinations, with Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial population groups all on a strong growth track. By 2050, the report notes, citing U.S. Census Bureau data, the non-Hispanic white population is expected to represent just 48% of the U.S. population.

The frozen meal lineup from Mona’s Curryations includes plant-based Chickpea Tikka Masala. This spring, Nestlé debuted its Mings frozen meal line developed by chef and entrepreneur Ming Tsai. Described as a modern approach to Asian cuisine, the Mings frozen meal line includes Spicy Dan Dan Noodles and Spicy Beef Ramen.

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PuraVida Foods sells its frozen LifeBowls online with options for subscriptions or one-time bulk pack purchases. Varieties include Forbidden Artisan Roasted Veggie Bowl and Tahini Buddha Bowl, among others. Conagra Brands, which sells Mega Burrito Bowls under its Banquet label, reports that burrito bowl restaurant menu mentions have increased by 31% over the past four years, citing Datassential statistics.

Sales of frozen ethnic breads are on the rise at retail. Truly Indian frozen Tandoori Naan is handcrafted with just nine ingredients. Brioche Pasquier offers a line of authentic ready-to-bake frozen croissants. Frozen Rhodes Warm & Serve Artisan French Rolls come 90% baked and can go straight from the freezer to the oven.

Datassential reports that 39% of consumers are extremely or very interested in trying globally inspired meats. Opaa! ReadyCarved Chicken Shawarma and Pork Al Pastor from Grecian Delight | Kronos make it easy to sample a protein product that offers something outside the mainstream meat-eating experience. And Amylu Foods adds more than a dash of creativity to the frozen meatball category with varieties such as Organic Spinach & Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Meatballs and Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Meatballs.

Street Foods and Snacks

According to Conagra Brands, sales of global street food in frozen formats grew by 26% over the past two years to reach $543.5 million, with the appeal greatest among younger consumers. Bao buns, tacos, samosas, empanadas, and dumplings were the fastest-growing products.

Sales of frozen bites and minis are booming, reaching $2.4 billion last year, per Conagra Brands. The José Olé  brand introduced frozen Double Stuffed Chicken & Cheese Taquitos. The Old El Paso Birria Taco Kit includes a seasoning packet, chipotle sauce packet, and 10 tortillas.

Mrs. T’s Pierogies introduced bite-size Snack Pierogies formulated for air fryer preparation. Other globally inspired snacks and appetizers grabbing attention include Pulmone’s Plantspired Bulgogi Rice Balls and Brauhaus Bavarian-style soft pretzels from J&J Snack Foods.ft