With 31% of Irish consumers feeling worse off financially in comparison to 2022 due to the cost-of-living crisis, consumers are adapting their eating habits to cope with these financial pressures.
If inflation continues apace, it will see consumers seek more cost-effective meal options, as well as meals that can be prepared in energy-efficient methods, driving interest in prepared meal options.
Healthier options continued to be a key area of NPD in ready meals / ready-to-cook foods in 2021 and into 2022.
63% of consumers buy ready meals as an alternative to takeaways & 50% as alternative to dining out.
57% of consumers would buy more if they were more readily available in convenience stores.
35% of consumers have eaten a ready meal in the last month third after Pizza 53% & Soup 52%.
“I would be most likely to choose one ready meal / ready-to-cook food over another if it…….please select up to three”
Continued inflation has put more pressures on consumer spending, and has seen consumers avoid more pricey foodservice outlets.
31% of Irish Consumers feel worse off! Resulting eating at home. The income squeeze will offer ongoing support to the ready meals / readyto-cook foods market.
Ready meals / ready-to-cook foods continue to play a role in the majority of people’s diets in 2022, with 88% of people saying they eat them.
Overall usage of ready meals/ready-to-cook foods is highest amongst younger demographics at 94% of 16-24s, while they also eat these products the most often, further highlighting their role as a key user group.
