North America Instant Food Market Outlook, 2028

In North America, the instant food market is growing due to the growing demand for convenient and time-saving food options. With the busy and fast-paced lifestyles of consumers, there is an increasing need for quick and easy meal solutions. Instant foods such as ready-to-eat meals, frozen meals, and microwaveable snacks provide a convenient alternative to traditional home-cooked meals, enabling consumers to save time and effort in meal preparation. Furthermore, increasing urbanisation and changing demographics in North America have had a significant impact on the instant food market. As more people migrate to urban areas and live in smaller households, there is a higher demand for single-serve and portion-controlled food products. Instant foods cater to these changing consumer preferences by offering individual servings and packaging options that suit smaller households. Moreover, the growth of the travel and tourism industries in North America has had a positive impact on the instant food market. Travelers, whether on vacation or business trips, often look for quick and easily accessible food options. Instant foods, such as travel-friendly snacks, instant noodles, and pre-packaged meals, are popular choices for individuals on the go, leading to increased consumption and demand. In addition, the rising popularity of plant-based diets and vegan lifestyles has impacted the instant food market. Consumers who follow these dietary preferences seek instant food products that are free from animal-derived ingredients. Manufacturers have introduced plant-based and vegan instant food options, such as plant-based protein bars, vegan soups, and ready-to-eat plant-based meals, to meet this growing demand.

According to the research report, “North America Instant Food Market Outlook, 2028” the market was valued at USD 48.73 Billion market size in 2022. Consumers are increasingly seeking instant food products that offer functional and nutritional benefits beyond basic sustenance. This includes products fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other health-enhancing ingredients. Instant food items with added protein, fiber, probiotics, and superfoods have gained popularity. Furthermore, due to the demand for convenient snacking options, manufacturers are introducing ready-to-eat snack packs in the instant food market. These snack packs often contain a combination of items like nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and other grab-and-go snacks. They offer consumers a quick and portable snacking solution, catering to their busy and on-the-go lifestyles. Moreover, the integration of technology into the instant food market is becoming more prevalent. Manufacturers are exploring partnerships with smart kitchen appliance companies to develop instant food products that can be prepared using advanced appliances. This includes products that can be cooked or heated using smart ovens, air fryers, or other IoT-enabled devices, offering enhanced convenience and control. In addition, as consumers increasingly seek convenience and portability, there is a growing demand for single-serve and on-the-go packaging formats. Manufacturers are developing instant food products that come in individual portions, snack-sized packs, or easy-to-carry containers. These options cater to busy individuals who require quick and portable meals or snacks. Some popular instant food brands in North America include Kraft, Campbell's, Cup Noodles, Knorr, Quaker Oats, Uncle Ben's, Nestlé Hot Pockets, Maruchan, Kellogg's Pop-Tarts, Starbucks VIA, and more.

The United States has a significantly large population, which translates into a vast consumer base. With a high demand for convenient and quick meal options, the market for instant food products thrives in the country. Furthermore, the fast-paced lifestyle of many Americans often leaves little time for meal preparation. Instant food products provide a convenient solution for individuals and families seeking quick and easy meal options. Moreover, Instant food brands in the United States often introduce seasonal or limited-edition flavours and variants. This creates a sense of excitement and exclusivity, encouraging consumers to try new products and flavours that are only available for a limited time. It adds a sense of novelty and anticipation to the instant food market. In addition, Canada's vast natural landscapes and love for outdoor activities influence the instant food culture. Instant food options that are portable, suitable for outdoor adventures, or cater to active individuals are popular among Canadians. Products such as energy bars, protein-packed snacks, and portable meal solutions are sought after by those who enjoy outdoor pursuits.

Breakfast cereals offer a convenient and time-saving breakfast option. They are easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time. North Americans have embraced the breakfast culture, and cereal has become a popular choice for a quick and nutritious morning meal. Furthermore, Breakfast cereals have evolved to cater to health-conscious consumers. Many cereal brands now offer a wide range of options that include whole grains, fiber, and added vitamins and minerals. These cereals are often marketed as nutritious and balanced breakfast choices, appealing to individuals seeking a healthy start to their day. With changing lifestyles and busier schedules, many individuals opt for quick breakfast options that replace traditional sit-down meals. Breakfast cereals provide a convenient solution that meets the demand for a balanced morning meal without the need for extensive preparation. In addition, Desserts are often associated with special occasions, celebrations, or as a way to mark a treat-worthy moment. Instant dessert options allow consumers to conveniently incorporate desserts into their celebrations, whether it's a family gathering, a party, or a personal indulgence. The availability of instant desserts makes it easier for consumers to enjoy a sweet treat without extensive preparation time. Desserts have long been associated with providing comfort and acting as a stress-reliever for many individuals. During times of stress or as a way to unwind, consumers often turn to instant desserts as a way to indulge and find solace in the enjoyment of a sweet treat.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the primary channels for instant food distribution in North America. These retail outlets offer a wide variety of instant food products from various brands and categories. They provide a one-stop shopping experience for consumers, allowing them to browse and select from a comprehensive range of instant food options. Some prominent supermarket and hypermarket chains in North America include Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and more. In addition, the rise of e-commerce has transformed the instant food market, with online stores becoming an increasingly popular distribution channel. Online platforms offer convenience, a wide product selection, and doorstep delivery, making them an attractive option for consumers. Some prominent online stores and platforms for instant food in North America include Amazon, Instacart, Thrive Market, and more.

Major Companies present in the market:

The Kellogg Company, Nestlé S.A., General Mills, Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, McCain Foods, Limited, Hormel Foods Corporation, Calbee, Inc, Conagra Brands, Inc, Himalya International Ltd., Dr. Oetker , Ebro Foods, S.A., Barilla Group, JBS S.A, Quinoa Corporation, Quaker Oats Company, Amy's Kitchen.

Considered in this report

• Geography: North America
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Countries covered in the report:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

Aspects covered in this report

• North America Instant Food market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product

• Breakfast Cereal
• Instant Noodles & pasta
• Snacks
• instant ready Meal
• Desserts
• others

By Packaging

• Normal
• Frozen

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarket/Hypermarket
• Departmental/Convenience Store
• Online Store
• Others (Specialty Stores)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to ready to Instant Food industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.