Convenience food, or tertiary processed food, is commercially prepared food (often through processing) to optimize ease of consumption. Such food is usually ready to eat without further preparation. It may also be easily portable, have a long shelf life, or offer a combination of such convenient traits. Convenience foods can include products such as candy, beverages (example, soft drinks, juices and milk), fast food, nuts, fruits and vegetables in fresh or preserved states, processed meats and cheeses, and canned products such as soups and pasta dishes.

Additional convenience foods include frozen pizza, chips such as potato chips, pretzels, and cookies. Convenience food market comprises ready to cook and ready to eat products. The ready to eat includes frozen foods, chips, bakery items and others. Whereas, ready to cook has been further segmented into snacks mix, dessert mix and curry mix.

United States Ready to Eat food market is projected to further change and grow in the upcoming years. The market has witnessed several latest developments in recent years especially after the Covid phase. For instance, there is a growing trend among consumers to shift towards healthy and organic food options in their ready to eat meals. In response to this, many companies in the market are introducing new products that are low in sugar, calories, and sodium. Also, the popularity of plant-based and vegan diets is increasing and many companies are introducing new plant-based and vegan options to cater to this growing segment of the market.

Made-to-order foods, such as freshly done pizzas, pastas, chicken and rice dishes, sandwiches, subs, salads, hamburgers, etc. can be counted under this category. This type of food is prepared when the customer orders the food, and then it's prepared and handed over to them. The food can be ordered over the phone, by using an app, and via the website. A substantial amount of people also order food in drive-thru. The freshly prepared foods can also be eaten at restaurants and cafes where it's made while the customer is waiting.

However, these days such type of food is popularly categorized as ‘Prepared Foods’ and is easily available on various e-commerce sites, this section comprises of freshly prepared packed meals, example – pasta, entrees (beef/chicken/vegetables/beans and rice dishes), salads, appetizers, soups and stews.

Is what's available at convenience stores and supermarkets in huge numbers. This ready-to-eat food is prepared in batches long before. These typical meals are also called heat-and-eat meals. They contain preservatives to elongate their shelf life, and are typically very high in calories. It's commonly said that a typical dinner entrée contains the same amount of calories that an average American should be eating during an entire day. Consumers who use frozen snacks/appetizers as a meal replacement are most likely to do so at lunchtime. 45% have eaten frozen snacks for dinner, and 30% have had them for breakfast. Hispanics and households with kids are the most likely to do so.

So what’s the new normal? Just over 8 in 10 consumers prepare and eat their evening meal at home four or more nights per week. Whereas, 42% of shoppers say they do so more often as compared to last 2 to 3 years.

However, despite an increased passion for cooking, time pressures and a desire for more sophisticated fare are forcing Americans to further outsource their meals. Nearly one-third (30%) of evening meals are now completely prepared outside of the home; 34% are made from a mix of prepared/partially prepared and some scratch items; and 35% are made from scratch. One in five food shoppers looks for meals that require little or no preparation.

Brands: Stouffer's, Amy’s, Lean Cuisine, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Marie Callender's, Old El Paso Dinner Kit, StarKist, Jack Link’s, Barilla, Wild Planet, Rao’s truRoots.

Brands: Thai Kitchen, Ben’s Original, Rice a Roni, Lundberg Family, Zatarain’s, Near East.

Brands: Hormel, Applegate, Tyson, Aplenty, Just Bare, Knorr.

Brands: 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic, Taylor Farms, Bumble bee, Betty Crocker.

Brands: Campbell’s, Progresso, Pacific Foods, Amy’s, Annie’s.

Brands: Velveeta, Ore-Ida, Alexia, Pictsweet Farms, Kraft.

Brands: Stove Top, Idahoan, Ragna’s, Betty Crocker, Pepperidge Farm.

Brands: Duncan Hines, Krusteaz, Edwards, Royal Desserts, Oreo, Hu, Tate’s. (cookies/pies/sweet snacks brands).