Are you keeping up with the growing “ready-to-eat” food trend?
In this article, we break down this important source of market growth, explain why packaging can make a direct impact on the performance of ready-to-eat products, and explore some sample packaging options.
Ready-to-eat (RTE), sometimes called ready-to-serve or ready-to-cook, refers to a variety of packaged entrees that consumers can eat with little additional preparation besides simple reheating. For a variety of reasons we will explore below, ready-to-eat packaging must fulfill unique requirements, and specifying the right packaging is critical for the success of RTE products.
Ready-to-eat foods (and packaging) are closely related to the growing trend toward grab-and-go foods. While these categories may sometimes overlap, the grab-and-go category is more focused on snack-sized portions and includes many lighter food choices. Ready-to-eat foods are more likely to focus on whole meals (including multiple dishes or ingredients) and/or entree-style servings.
While the idea of a pre-prepared meal may call to mind a frozen dinner, canned goods, or dehydrated “instant” products, today’s consumers have access to an incredible variety of RTE food options, including frozen, fresh, refrigerated, and microwaveable options.
Common examples of ready-to-eat foods and sample containers include:
This incredible variety means that packaging needs to be carefully aligned with the aesthetic and functional considerations of each specific RTE food product; there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and custom packaging may offer excellent value in this space.
Food makers and grocers are under pressure to keep up with consumers’ growing preference for RTE options. Of course, consumers have long shown an appetite for food that offers the right mix of cost, convenience, and quality. But today, chefs have more options for keeping food fresh, preparing fresh ingredients in-store, and reducing (or even eliminating) the quality gap between RTE and made-from-scratch meals.
As private-label brands proliferate, food sellers have more options than ever to market their products to consumers. And consumers are responding with their purchasing decisions. Explosive growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has proved resilient, and evidence suggests that the shift toward more convenient food options will continue for the foreseeable future. Why? In short, because ready-to-eat food provides a value “sweet spot” for consumers:
For these reasons, grocery customers remain enthusiastic about the trend toward RTE meals. As reported by Supermarket News, “90% of supermarket prepared-foods buyers believe they are getting good value from these items, and 74% of consumers agreed that the quality of retail prepared foods has greatly improved over the past two years.”
Because RTE meals do not require cooking, food safety standards are critical to prevent contamination and ensure freshness. RTE packaging must protect products from moisture, oxygen, and external contaminants while maintaining strict temperature controls throughout the supply chain.
Storage requirements for RTE foods depend on the product type. Many RTE foods need refrigeration or freezing to maintain freshness and safety. Proper storage includes keeping products at the recommended temperature, ensuring they remain sealed in high-quality packaging, and avoiding cross-contamination during handling.
Not all RTE foods are perishable. While many require refrigeration or freezing, others, like canned or vacuum-sealed items, can be shelf-stable for extended periods. Always check storage instructions for specific requirements.
Packaging plays a vital role in the success of ready-to-eat products: preserving quality, enhancing the consumer experience, and reinforcing brand value.
At Lacerta, we understand the unique demands of RTE food packaging. Our packaging solutions are designed to meet the unique functional and aesthetic needs of our customers' innovative RTE products.
For unique product requirements, Lacerta provides custom-designed packaging tailored to specific needs. This service supports the development of packaging that fits a product’s requirements, enhances brand identity, and meets functional demands such as portion control and convenience features. With the ability to commercialize RTE custom packaging within six to eight weeks, our team is ready to help stay responsive to the latest market opportunities.
We invite you to learn more about Lacerta’s end-to-end support for custom packaging development here.