Americans’ schedules have become increasingly busy as work weeks and commuting times have gotten longer, and parents spend more time shuffling kids to and from activities. As a result, time-pressed consumers are snacking more, often on-the-go. Product developments have also increased sales of frozen snacks, and in the last five years, the category has seen an influx of successful new products, including many Mexican and Asian offerings. Manufacturers have increased sales by launching a variety of pack sizes to satisfy small and large households.

The frozen snacks market grew nearly 25% from 2000 to 2005, reaching about $2 billion. Holding about 28% of the entire market is Nestlé’s Hot Pockets brand, which has driven growth by strong marketing support and a steady stream of product news, including the introduction of several successful, new Mexican varieties. Similarly, the still-growing popularity of Mexican cuisine in the U.S. helped bring up sales of Ruiz Foods’ El Monterey line of frozen snacks, up 73% over the last five years. Finally, although they represent only a small portion of sales, the “better-for-you” brands, including Lean Pockets, Amy’s Kitchen and Cedarlane, also grew strongly over the period, although the frozen snacks category is still far behind in sales of better-for-you fare.

With the innovation increasing and the convenience trend still going strong, Mintel expects the frozen snacks category to grow for the next several years. Mintel forecasts sales to rise 1.5% annually, reaching about $2.5 billion by 2010.

This report covers frozen foods intended to be served as snacks, not as complete meals:

frozen appetizers/snack rolls

frozen sandwiches

frozen pretzels

The following items are excluded from the scope of this report.

frozen breaded vegetables, such as breaded mushrooms

frozen chicken products, such as chicken tenders, chicken nuggets and chicken fingers

frozen dinners or entrées

refrigerated or shelf-stable snacks of any kind