Microwavable food has been a regular feature in the frozen food aisle for decades, a popular choice for people who want quick and easy hot meal options. In recent years, these options have expanded into the deli, dairy, and shelf-stable food aisles, thanks to new packaging technology. The expanded selection of microwavable foods outside of the frozen food aisle has fueled growth in this segment of the market. A recent study, which noted this market shift, estimates that the microwavable food market will have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 6% between 2020 and 2031.
Food producers seeking to capitalize on the growth opportunity — particularly within their refrigerated offerings — have big decisions to make about their microwavable food packaging. What kind of plastic food packaging is microwave-safe? Can our current vendor supply our packaging needs for new microwavable options? How do I promote that our packaging is microwave safe to consumers?
This post will dig into the data behind this growing market and how food producers can leverage this trend with suitable packaging options.
About the Microwavable Food Market
According to Research and Markets, the global market for microwavable food products was estimated at $120 billion in 2020 and will grow to $230 billion globally by 2031.
The market comprises three packaging segments: shelf stable, frozen and refrigerated, and ready-to-reheat microwavable foods. All three have grown recently, with the frozen segment expected to lead the field. However, new players, new packaging options, and an increase in the grab-and-go section of the supermarket are propelling significant growth in the refrigerated heat-and-eat segment, too.
For example, a Bob Evans Farms survey found that roughly three-quarters of respondents said they purchase refrigerated heat-and-eat breakfast items at least once a month; 41% reported they are more interested in refrigerated heat-and-eat breakfast items than before the 2020 global pandemic. Heat-and-eat lunch and dinner options have seen a dinner boost in consumer demand, with the global ready meals market experiencing a CAGR of nearly 12% per year.
But what exactly is driving the consumer demand for more microwave-friendly meals? Convenience is a major contributing factor. In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average American civilian spends less than an hour (39 minutes) on food preparation and cleanup, far less time than decades prior. With less time being spent on cooking at home, microwavable foods are one way that consumers can get food on the table more quickly.
That said, taste and price are also at the top of shoppers’ minds when choosing refrigerated heat-and-eat products, so freshness and budget-friendliness are also key considerations when launching new microwavable food products.
Elements of Microwave-Safe Food Packaging
Here are a few elements that go into our microwavable container design process.
- Materials – You will need to select a type of plastic that is deemed microwave-safe and can hold up to high temperatures. Plastic #2, also known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is microwave-safe, as is Plastic #5, known as polypropylene. However, PET and polystyrene are not.
- Sustainability – Will your packages be made with sustainable materials? Plastic #2 is recyclable and so is plastic #5, however, it is expensive and difficult to recycle, which means it will likely end up in a landfill.
- Lidding – Microwavable packing can be made with either a simple film seal or a firm polypropylene lid for resealing. This latter option allows consumers to put the food back in the fridge if they have any leftovers.
- Tamper evident – Well-sealed, tamper-evident packaging will ensure safety and lock in freshness for longer shelf life.
- Size – Portion control is an important consideration with rising food costs. Choosing a vendor with a wide range of sizing and customization options allows you to produce food products to your specifications.
What To Look for in a Microwavable Packaging Vendor
With so many choices, it helps to work with a manufacturing vendor who can guide you through the process. Here are some advantages a skilled packaging vendor can offer.
- Ease of sealing – A good microwavable food packaging design maximizes efficiency. Each microwavable container should be easy to seal when applying the lidding film, even in the most difficult applications.
- Long shelf life – Ask your vendor if they offer a high-oxygen barrier material option to help extend the shelf life of foods.
- Ample options – The vendor should have a range of shapes and sizes that make it easy to package and maintain portion control.
Microwave-Safe Packaging: What Consumers Want to Know
Not all plastics are the same when it comes to microwave packaging, which can cause confusion among consumers. Although the FDA has deemed chemical components in plastics, like bisphenol A (BPA) and certain phthalates, safe for public consumption, people may be concerned about eating food from plastic packaging that may include these components.
Commercial food producers and retailers can help alleviate concerns by focusing on collective research on the subject. Food packaging materials must meet standards set by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) to be labeled “microwave safe.” Microwave-safe messaging on your packaging and the FAQ section of your website can further assuage customer anxieties.
Trust Lacerta for Your Next Microwavable Food Innovation
If your company is considering expanding into the growing microwavable food market, you need a vendor with whom you can build a long-term relationship. Lacerta has 30 years of experience providing high-quality packaging options with industry-leading speed to market.
Have questions about our capabilities? Talk to one of our packaging design experts.
