Dinner Time Nostalgia: Comfort Food Drives Fresh Prepared Meal Sales

 

Busy schedules and changing lifestyles have fueled the rise of fresh prepared Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat meals and meal components from restaurants, convenience stores and in grocery stores. But what's influencing what consumers choose? Enter the surprising factor of nostalgia.

Now according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Today people are craving the taste of their childhoods, and grocery stores are taking note. This trend of "nostalgic food" is leading to a surge in popularity for fresh prepared meals that offer familiar flavors from home.

Here's how nostalgia is impacting the prepared meal market, and the top 7 comfort food entrees driving sales:

The Allure of Familiar Flavors

In a world of constant change, comfort food provides a sense of security and warmth. The taste of a dish enjoyed in childhood can bring back happy memories and evoke positive emotions. Grocery stores are but one retailer that is capitalizing on this by offering fresh prepared meals that replicate these classic dishes.

This isn't just about frozen dinners or heat-and-eat options. Today's fresh prepared meals are made with high-quality ingredients and often mimic the home-cooked meals of generations past.

Top 7 Nostalgic Prepared Meal Entrees

1.       Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese continues to reign supreme. Look for gourmet versions with interesting cheeses and toppings.

2.       Meatloaf: A classic weeknight meal, meatloaf is experiencing a revival in fresh prepared sections. Glazes, creative stuffings, and unexpected flavor combinations are making this dish relevant again.

3.       Chicken Pot Pie: Warm and satisfying, chicken pot pie is a nostalgic favorite. Fresh prepared versions offer flaky crusts, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables.

4.       Lasagna: Layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and meat - what's not to love? Grocers are offering innovative takes on lasagna, including vegetarian and white sauce options.

5.       Salisbury Steak: This diner staple is finding new life in the fresh prepared aisle. Look for options with mashed potatoes, gravy, and onion rings for the full nostalgic experience.

6.       Beef Stroganoff: A creamy, comforting dish, beef stroganoff is a crowd-pleaser. Fresh prepared versions offer a quick and easy weeknight meal solution.

7.       Chicken Fried Steak: Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy is pure comfort food heaven. Fresh prepared versions can satisfy cravings without the hassle of frying.

The Future of Nostalgic Prepared Meals

The trend of nostalgic food is likely to continue, with restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores offering even more creative takes on classic dishes. Expect to see influences from different regions and cultures, all with a focus on familiar flavors. Fresh prepared meals that cater to dietary restrictions, like gluten-free or vegetarian options, will also be in high demand.

So, the next time you're short on time but craving a taste of home, head to a branded food retail app on your phone or visit a grocery store's prepared meal section. You might just be surprised by the delicious and comforting options waiting to be discovered.

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter