LOG IN
Mintel Solutions
Schedule Trends More
Help
thumb
Doc Print
Content Map

Content Map

Prepared Meals and Sides - US - November 2015
Overview

This report provides in-depth analysis and insight supported by a range of data. At the same time, introductory and top-level content is provided to give you an overview of the issues covered.

Overview
Executive Summary

Content Map

Prepared Meals and Sides - US - November 2015
Market

Mintel provides a range of market information, frequently through the category level, including market size and forecasting, complete with market drivers that illustrate the forces that shape a category or market.

The Market – What You Need to Know
Market Size and Forecast
Market Breakdown
Market Perspective
Market Factors

Content Map

Prepared Meals and Sides - US - November 2015
Consumer

Mintel's proprietary consumer research provides our analysts with the attitudinal and behavioral data used to provide valuable insight to topical issues.

The Consumer – What You Need to Know
Consumption of Frozen Meals and Sides
Prepared Meals Factor Mostly at Dinner
Purchase Factors for Prepared Meals and Side Dishes
Wants and Needs from Prepared Meals and Side Dishes
Nutrition, Customization Impact Meal Purchase
Convenience, Cuisine Range Impact Prepared Meal Consumption
Consumer Segmentation

Content Map

Prepared Meals and Sides - US - November 2015
Brand/Company

Mintel provides overviews of the top brands and manufacturers, and uses consumer research to explore attitudes and reactions to brands, as well as insight into what will resonate with consumers.

Key Players – What You Need to Know
Manufacturer Sales of Prepared Meals and Sides
What’s Working?
What’s Struggling?
What’s Next?

Content Map

Prepared Meals and Sides - US - November 2015
Data

Reports provide appendices of data to support the research and insight produced. Our tables of data are easily manipulated and downloadable to support your research needs and covers factors from consumer attitudes to market forecasts.

Appendix – Data Sources and Abbreviations
Appendix – Market
Appendix – Key Players
Appendix – Consumer
Search

What you need to know

Frozen and refrigerated meals and side dishes are convenient, easy, and diverse, all attributes long popular among consumers. However, the widespread perception of these products as overly processed and thereby unhealthy is leading the category to continued sales declines year-on-year, with no end in sight and few bright spots on the horizon. Side dishes appear to be capitalizing on consumer interest in smaller plates, and improved entrée sales in natural supermarkets suggest more natural options could at least stem the tide of the otherwise downward sales spiral the category has seen for most of this decade.

Definition

This report builds on the analysis presented in Mintel's Prepared Meals & Side Dishes – US, May 2014, in addition to Frozen Meals – US, May 2013, as well as the same title in May 2012, September 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, and previous years. This report also builds on the analysis presented in Mintel’s Side Dishes – US, June 2010 as well as the same title in June 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2003.

For the purposes of this report, prepared meals are defined as complete meals or entrées that are precooked and frozen or refrigerated. These meals usually include a side dish and require minimal preparation or cooking time.

Side dishes are defined in this report as products intended to be used alongside an entrée or meal center. These items can be frozen or refrigerated. Please note that while the industry has a clear definition of side dishes, the demarcation is not so clear to the consumer, who may well use specific side dishes as a meal or a snack.

The primary segments include the following:

  • Single-serve frozen meals

  • Multiserve frozen meals

  • Refrigerated meals

  • Frozen side dishes

  • Refrigerated side dishes (including refrigerated side dishes that are sold in meat and deli cases and require only microwaving), and refrigerated salads

Excluded from this report are meals and side dishes prepared in store and sold in the fresh deli or other departments. Also excluded are meals and side dishes sold through foodservice venues.

Back to top