The Future of Meals, Pizza and Soup 2024

Future Of Food Meals and Meal Components Global

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

The most important upcoming trends in the meals market 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 meals, pizzas and soups market. Understanding the future of the convenience foods industry has never been so easy.

The Future of Meals, Pizzas and Soups – Our pick of the trends

In the next two years: Build trust amidst ultra-processed food concerns

Consumer awareness of links between ultra-processed food (UPF) and chronic health issues is growing, as is scrutiny of prepared and convenience foods. Simple formulations, greater transparency and better storytelling about processing benefits will help reduce negative perceptions among consumers.

In five years and beyond: AI will disrupt flavour trend trajectory

The use of artificial intelligence in product development, recipe generators and meal planners could completely disrupt the traditional trajectory of emerging flavour and cuisine trends. Niche, unexpected, and unique products and flavours may become the norm.

Purchase the full report for more insights into the trends and innovations shaping the future of the global prepared foods market. To discover more about the global convenience foods market, read Mintel’s A Year of Innovation in Prepared Meals, Meal Kits, Soups and Salads or take a look at Mintel’s extensive food market research.

Meet The Expert Behind The Analysis

This report was written be 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.

Addressing UPF concerns will prove vital, and whilst shopping sustainably will grow in importance, brands must demonstrate other benefits to drive purchase.

Ayisha Koyenikan
Director – Mintel Food & Drink

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- Where we are now
- In the next two years
- In five years and beyond
in the next two years
- Mintel’s perspective
- Build trust amidst ultra-processed food concerns
- Processing will increasingly factor into consumers’ purchase decisions
- Graph 1: consumer agreement with the statement ‘I have noticed news/social media stories about ultra-processed foods recently’, 2024
- Brands must overcome ‘processed’ stigma to compete with homemade options
- The decline in clean-label claims must be reversed in prepared meals
- Greater transparency and simple formulations will drive trust in processed and ultra-processed foods
- Highlight the value of beneficial processes
- Desire for natural, less-processed ingredients will reinforce demand for upcycled ingredients
- Higher energy needs will affect savoury categories
- Consumers will continue to feel tired and stressed and have low energy levels
- There is scope to boost energy across savoury categories
- Graph 2: penetration of functional energy claims in innovation, by selected sub-category, 2019-24
- As the retirement age increases, help Gen Xs stay sharp at work
- The ‘edible caffeine’ trend will grow in savoury snack meals
- Sustainable products must offer other benefits
- Sustainability concerns will grow with financial confidence, but consumers seek additional benefits
- Link sustainability claims to improved flavour delivery
- Prioritise flavour messages over sustainability claims
- Sustainable products must not lag behind on health benefits
- Graph 3: attitudes towards sustainable food and drink – it is important to have a diet that is both healthy and sustainable, 2024
- Sustainable products must not lag behind on health benefits
in five years and beyond
- Mintel’s perspective
- Climate change will propel the introduction of new crops and world flavours to meals, pizzas and soups
- Zoe Daily 30+ supplement hints at new possibilities for personalisation in prepared foods
- AI will disrupt flavour trend trajectories
- The rise of AI recipe generators and meal planners will pique consumer interest in novel flavours
- 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.

For a closer look at what's included in a Mintel Future of report, take a look at a sample PDF report below.

Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted.

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