Dive Brief:
- Wegmans Food Markets is releasing a new line of refrigerated Power Meals for both lunch and dinner, according to Progressive Grocer.
- Each Power Meal will have a maximum of 600 calories, 25 grams or more of protein, at least 5 grams of fiber, fewer than 1,000 milligrams of sodium, under 10 grams of added sugar and at least one cup of vegetables.
- The eight Power Meals developed are priced between $8 to $15 and include kung pao chicken, kung pao shrimp, king salmon tataki, tuna tataki, black pepper beef tenderloin, black pepper salmon, tuna poke and ceviche.
Dive Insight:
This is part of the growing trend of retailers trying to offer convenience. In fact, numerous studies over the last few years have shown that more than 25% of all consumers’ food budgets are now spent on ready-to-eat meals and prepared foods.
The increase in demand for ready-to-eat meals is mainly driven by longer hours at work and busier lifestyles. Millennials in particular enjoy the convenience of buying a meal that they don’t have to cook. Sales and marketing firm Acosta's recent report on the evolution of eating showed that 16% of all U.S. consumers ate prepared meals from grocery stores at home over the past year — but 27% of millennials did.
Since Wegmans is already known for catering to this category of shopper with its buffet food bar, this move might seem redundant. However, these meals are marketed more as a nutritious lunch or dinner — something to which today's health-conscious consumer will be receptive. According to a report from PwC, healthy eating is becoming more important to consumers, with millennials again leading the charge.