2022
9
US Frozen Snacks Market Report 2022
2022-08-20T03:09:23+00:00
REP2D5B84BD_F0A4_416D_BFB9_8B65532C3094
3695
155003
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Report
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“The frozen snacks category has grown 52% since 2017, boosted by demand for cost-effective, filling snacks and small meals that are easy to make. Nevertheless, the category does face a…

US Frozen Snacks Market Report 2022

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This report provides comprehensive and current information and analysis of the frozen snacks market including frozen snacks market size, anticipated market forecast, relevant market segmentation, and industry trends for the frozen snacks market in the US.

Current market landscape

The frozen snack category continues to record considerable sales growth, buoyed by consumer interest in flavorful, quickly prepared options. Still, the category faces something of an identity crisis: consumer usage behaviors suggest they don’t generally plan for frozen snacks to be a part of their routine but rather turn to them when in need of an exciting meal that they don’t have time (or knowledge) to cook. Brands in the category have an opportunity to become a part of consumers’ plans and establish themselves potentially in their routine, whether as a lunch, a snack, or even as a component of a larger meal.

Market share and key industry trends

Sales of frozen snacks followed a strong 2020 by growing another 7.6% in 2021 and an estimated 11.4% in 2022, to reach $7.7 billion, as consumers weigh higher prices and continue to rely heavily on at-home meal/snack preparation. Both category segments have grown substantially since the start of the pandemic, reflecting consumer interest in quick, easily prepared options for a variety of occasions, whether it’s after-school snacking, lunch alternatives or an option for movie/game nights.

Future frozen snacks market growth

Rising prices for virtually everything are impacting sales of frozen snacks, though largely in a positive way, at least in terms of dollar sales. Nevertheless, this appears to somewhat mask the beginnings of attrition for the category, as volume sales growth has been notably slower and even negative in the case of the frozen handheld segment. Flavor innovation and a strategy that puts frozen snacks more in consumers’ habits should offset this patter, however, particularly if product innovation includes an element of BFY, whether in terms of healthy benefits, such as protein or fiber, or that capitalizes on the consumer interest in plant-based foods.

Read on to discover more about the US frozen snacks consumer market, read our US Prepared Cakes, Pies, and Pastries Market Report 2021, or take a look at our other frozen snacks research reports.

Quickly understand the US frozen snacks industry

  • Frozen snack purchase.
  • Usage occasions for frozen snacks.
  • Drivers of frozen snack purchase.
  • Interest in international cuisines with frozen snacks.
  • Attitudes toward frozen snacks.

Covered in this report

Brands include: Nestlé, General Mills, JM Smucker, Kraft Heinz, Ruiz Food Products, Ajinomoto Foods, White Castle, Tyson Foods, Rich Products, JC CheilJedang, Totino’s, Bagel Bites, Delimex, TGI Friday’s, José Olé, Tai Pei, Ling, Farm Rich, SeaPak, Pagoda, CJ Bibigo, El Monterey, SUPERPRETZEL, Hot Pockets, Uncrustables, State Fair, Fast Bites, Foster Farms, Tai Pei, Aldi’s Fusia Asian Inspirations, Sam’s West’s Member’s Mark, Trader Joe’s, Walgreen’s Nice!, Target’s Good & Gather, Les Plats du Chef’s, Kellogg’s MorningStar Farms, Brazi Bites, Del Monte Veggieful, Dr. Praeger’s Purely Sensible, Ready Brothers’, Wholly Veggie!.

Expert analysis from a specialist in frozen snacks market analysis

This report, written by William Roberts, a leading analyst in the Food and Drink sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

The frozen snacks category has grown 52% since 2017, boosted by demand for cost-effective, filling snacks and small meals that are easy to make. Nevertheless, the category does face a lack of identity, as consumers recognize frozen snacks as convenient and flavorful but don’t appear to regard them as part of their meal-planning strategy, turning to them primarily as circumstances warrant food that can be quickly prepared.

William Roberts, Jr, Senior Food and Drink Analyst
Billy Roberts
Sr. Analyst, Food and Drink

Collapse All
  1. Overview

    • What you need to know
    • This Report looks at the following areas
    • Definition
    • Market context
  2. Executive Summary

    • Top takeaways
    • Market overview
    • Category growth continues apace
      • Figure 1: Total US sales and fan chart forecast of frozen snacks, at current prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 2: Total US sales and forecast of frozen snacks, at current prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 3: Frozen snack outlook, 2022-27
    • Opportunities and challenges
    • Room to grow frozen snacks as an everyday option
      • Figure 4: Weekday versus weekend occasions for frozen snacks, 2022
    • Fusion cuisines broaden category’s already diverse offerings
      • Figure 5: International cuisine potential in frozen snacks, 2022
    • Simple plans
      • Figure 6: Interest in simple frozen snacks, by parental status, 2022
    • Consumers willing to pay more for socially, environmentally aware brands
      • Figure 7: Willingness to pay more for ethical/sustainable messaging, by generation, 2022
  3. Market Size and Forecast

    • Steady category growth before, during and after pandemic and amid inflation
      • Figure 8: Total US sales and fan chart forecast of frozen snacks, at current prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 9: Total US sales and forecast of frozen snacks, at current prices, 2017-27
  4. Segment Performance

    • Volume sales point to slowing growth
      • Figure 10: Growth of multi-outlet dollar sales and volume sales of frozen appetizers/snack rolls/pretzels and frozen handheld entrees, 2018-21
  5. Market Factors

    • Prices keep food spend largely at home
      • Figure 11: Consumer Sentiment Index, 2007-22
    • Plant-based appeal can draw flexitarians
      • Figure 12: Dietary preferences, demographic profiles, indexed against all consumers, 2022
    • Aging population points to potential for greater diversification
      • Figure 13: Population by generation, 2016-26
      • Figure 14: International cuisine potential in frozen snacks, by generation, 2022
    • Work-from-home consumers and parents could boost weekday frozen snack consumption
      • Figure 15: Weekday versus weekend occasions for frozen snacks, 2022
      • Figure 16: Expected change in at-home activities compared to before the pandemic, 2022
  6. Market Share/Key Players

    • Broadened usage boosting brands
    • Sales of frozen snacks by company
      • Figure 17: Sales of frozen snacks, by company, 2021 and 2022
    • Cuisine-specific brands outpace appetizer growth rates
      • Figure 18: Multi-outlet sales of frozen appetizers/snack rolls/pretzels, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2021 and 2022
    • Indulgence helps boost handheld brands
      • Figure 19: Multi-outlet sales of frozen handheld entrees, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2021 and 2022
  7. Competitive Strategies and Market Opportunities

    • Take a cue from tapas
      • Figure 20: Brands utilizing social media to broaden frozen snack usage, 2022
    • Private label launches fusing cuisines
      • Figure 21: International cuisine potential in frozen snacks, 2022
      • Figure 22: Private label launches draw upon International influences, 2022
    • Message around simple ingredients and preparation methods
      • Figure 23: Interest in simple frozen snacks, by parental status, 2022
      • Figure 24: Frozen snack introductions with natural/non-artificial messaging, 2022
      • Figure 25: Social media efforts focused on handmade messaging, 2022
    • Improve parents’ image of frozen snacks
      • Figure 26: Using frozen snacks, by parental status, 2022
      • Figure 27: Frozen snack introductions with healthy undertones, 2022
    • Appeal to social and environmental concerns
      • Figure 28: Notable frozen snack introductions with sustainable/ethical messaging, 2022
  8. The Frozen Snack Consumer – Fast Facts

    • Frozen snacks have ample room to grow
    • Parents, young adults currently drive category usage
    • Culinary exploration with frozen snacks
    • Moving past the indulgent perception
  9. Frozen Snack Purchase

    • Category purchase remains consistent post-pandemic and amid inflation
      • Figure 29: Frozen snack purchase, 2022
    • Healthier, if not healthy, message to broaden appeal
      • Figure 30: Frozen snack purchase, by generation, 2022
    • Financially struggling consumers turning to frozen snacks
      • Figure 31: Frozen snack purchase, by financial status, 2022
  10. Occasions for Frozen Snacks

    • Resealability could boost category consumption
      • Figure 32: Occasions for frozen snacks, 2022
    • Grow occasions by becoming a part of consumers’ weekly meal plans
      • Figure 33: Occasions for frozen snacks, by work-from-home status, 2022
    • Weekday usage can grow even among category loyalists
      • Figure 34: Occasions, by repertoire of snack types, 2022
  11. Frozen Snack Attributes

    • Broaden consumers’ opinions of frozen snacks
      • Figure 35: Frozen snack attributes, 2022
    • Go beyond convenience to attract parents and non-parents alike
      • Figure 36: Wholly Veggie Pizza Bites, 2022
      • Figure 37: Frozen snack attributes, by parental status, 2022
  12. Frozen Snack Purchase Factors

    • Frozen snacks rely on familiarity, trust
      • Figure 38: Frozen snack purchase factors, 2022
    • Parents, non-parents, define value differently
      • Figure 39: Frozen snack purchase factors, by parental status, 2022
    • Price and familiar flavors drive purchase
      • Figure 40: TURF Analysis – Frozen snacks purchase factors, 2022
  13. Interest in International Cuisines with Frozen Snacks

    • Consumer interest in a diverse array of international cuisines
      • Figure 41: International cuisine potential in frozen snacks, 2022
  14. Attitudes toward Frozen Snacks

    • Expand frozen snacks into more of an everyday option
      • Figure 42: Attitudes toward frozen snacks, 2022
    • Increase weekday usage among parents and non-parents
      • Figure 43: Opinions of using frozen snacks, by parental status, 2022
    • Packaging, ethical messaging would motivate Millennials
      • Figure 44: Buying frozen snacks, by generation, 2022
  15. Appendix – Data Sources and Abbreviations

    • Data sources
    • Sales data
    • Forecast
    • Consumer survey data
    • Abbreviations and terms
    • Abbreviations
  16. Appendix – The Market

      • Figure 45: Total US retail sales and forecast of frozen snacks, at current prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 46: Total US retail sales and forecast of frozen snacks, at inflation-adjusted prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 47: Total US retail sales and forecast of frozen snacks, by segment, at current prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 48: Total US retail sales of frozen snacks, by segment, at current prices, 2020 and 2022
      • Figure 49: Total US retail sales and forecast of frozen appetizers/snack rolls/pretzels, at current prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 50: Total US retail sales and forecast of frozen appetizers/snack rolls/pretzels, at inflation-adjusted prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 51: Growth of multi-outlet dollar sales and volume sales of frozen appetizers/snack rolls/pretzels, 2017-22
      • Figure 52: Total US retail sales and forecast of frozen handheld entrees, at current prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 53: Total US retail sales and forecast of frozen handheld entrees, at inflation-adjusted prices, 2017-27
      • Figure 54: Growth of multi-outlet dollar sales and volume sales of frozen handheld entrees, 2017-22
  17. Appendix – Companies and Brands

      • Figure 55: Multi-outlet sales of frozen snacks, by leading companies, rolling 52 weeks 2021 and 2022
      • Figure 56: Multi-outlet sales of frozen appetizers/snack rolls/pretzels, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2021 and 2022
      • Figure 57: Multi-outlet sales of frozen handheld entrees, by leading companies and brands, rolling 52 weeks 2021 and 2022
  18. Appendix – Retail Channels

      • Figure 58: Total US retail sales of frozen snacks, by channel, at current prices, 2017-22
      • Figure 59: Total US retail sales of frozen snacks, by channel, at current prices, 2020 and 2022
      • Figure 60: US supermarket sales of frozen snacks, at current prices, 2017-22
      • Figure 61: US sales of frozen snacks through other retail channels, at current prices, 2017-22
  19. Appendix – Consumer

      • Figure 62: Average annual household spending on frozen snacks, 2017-22
  20. Appendix – TURF Analysis Methodology

      • Figure 63: TURF Analysis – Chip purchase factors, 2022
      • Figure 64: Table – TURF Analysis – Chip purchase factors, 2022

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