2025
10
The Future of Meals and Pizza 2025
2025-09-08T16:01:43+00:00
REP43EBB9F5_E7B7_4F39_ABB9_F5E7B7CF3950
2195
186727
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Report
en_GB
The growth of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, a battle for textural differentiation, and a shelf-stable revival will impact consumer behaviour and brand innovation. Ayisha Koyenikan, Director - Mintel Food…
Global
Ready Meals
Pizza
simple

The Future of Meals and Pizza 2025

Discover the future trends in the global convenience foods market with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the global pizza and meals markets over the next five years.

The most important upcoming trends are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.

This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative and inspirational launches in the global pizza and meals markets. Understanding the future of the industry has never been so simple.

Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis

This report was written by Ayisha Koyenikan. Ayisha is a Mintel Food and Drink Director with 13 years’ New Product Development experience in retail and manufacturing. Ayisha has worked for 3 major retailers, categories including Ready Meals, Bakery and Grocery. Her last role focused on the analysis and application of global food trends. Ayisha has a BSc in Food Science.

The growth of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, a battle for textural differentiation, and a shelf-stable revival will impact consumer behaviour and brand innovation.

Ayisha Koyenikan - Research AnalystAyisha Koyenikan
Director – Mintel Food & Drink

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  1. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    • Where we are now
    • In the next two years
    • In five years and beyond
  2. IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS

    • Mintel's perspective
    • Targeting of GLP-1 users will become more subtle and inclusive
    • Brands outside the US will continue to embrace the GLP-1 companion opportunity
    • However, overt targeting of GLP-1 users could alienate consumers
    • Signposting existing GLP-1-friendly products is the safest bet in the short-to-medium term
    • Snack-sized offerings will appeal to GLP-1 users and super-snackers alike
    • Brands will offer more-holistic support for muscles, skin and hair
    • Dial up fibre content and communication to attract GLP-1 users
    • The battle for textural differentiation will grow
    • Brands must step-change texture to differentiate products
    • Fast Fuel Meals deliver more-nuanced textures in the air fryer
    • Incorporating multiple textures can fight against negative UPF perceptions
    • Pizza brands are innovating to deliver superlative crispiness
    • The quest for ultimate crispiness will popularise Chicago Tavern pizza outside the US
    • Chewy and gummy 'Q' textures will grow in savoury applications
    • Ambient meals will benefit from a shelf-stable renaissance
    • Modern shelf-stable staple brands are elevating perceptions and drawing in new consumers
    • The grandmacore trend will continue to put preserved food in a positive light
    • Prepper culture's resurgence will encourage a reappraisal of ambient meals
    • Graph 1: consumer agreement that COVID-19 has driven them to be prepared for emergencies in the future (eg have enough food/essential supplies on hand), 2020
    • Tariff mistrust and governmental guidance will exacerbate stockpiling behaviours
    • Mars delivers craveable and convenient global street-food-inspired ambient meals
    • Mars delivers craveable and convenient global-street-food-inspired ambient meals
    • Premium canned meat meals will find a new, younger audience
  3. IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND

    • Mintel's perspective
    • Use of upcycled ingredients will grow in the 'mass-tainability' era
    • Graph 2: consumer agreement that food produced from leftover ingredients has a high/moderate impact on the environment, 2024*
    • Upcycling's sustainability halo will make processed foods more palatable
    • Seed-oil-free claims will proliferate as part of clean-label positioning
    • From burgers to bao: a comfort food shift is coming
    • 'Hot pot nights' could rival at-home 'Pizza Fridays' or 'Taco Tuesdays'
  4. KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Key takeaways

What is a 'Future of' Report?

Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.

How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future

Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.

Expert Insights from Category Analysts

Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.

Powered by Robust Data

Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.

Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy

Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.

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