US Frozen Snacks Market Report 2022

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.

Billy Roberts
Sr. Analyst, Food and Drink