Spicy Foods, Global Cuisine Seen As Key Frozen Food Drivers In 2025
The rise in GLP-1 use, appetites for spice and heat, and indulgent in-home dining experiences are just some of the trends driving growth identified in Conagra Brands' second annual Future of Frozen Food 2025 report. This data-driven report reveals how consumer behaviors, generational preferences, and innovations are reshaping the $91.3 billion U.S. frozen food market.
Conagra's Demand Science team leveraged insights from Circana, social media trends from Tastewise, and search trends from Similarweb to develop this year's report. The report highlights five transformative trends driving the future of the frozen food department, along with additional information reflecting how and what frozen foods are being consumed.
"An increasingly diverse array of frozen foods are available, reflective of the overall shifts in what U.S. consumers are eating," said Bob Nolan, senior vice president of demand science at Conagra Brands. "New insights point to evolving generational habits and preferences. As Millennials and Gen Z enter family formation years convenience and affordability become the priority, driving a 54% increase in spending on frozen foods during this period."
Conagra’s report identified five trends to watch in 2025. They include:
• Modern Health: Health-conscious consumers are seeking frozen products that cater to gut health, portion control, and other dietary needs. Frozen foods with probiotics and nutrient-dense, gut-friendly ingredients have grown 33% during the past three years. New products accommodating the more than 15 million Americans currently using GLP-1 medication with convenient options are also transforming the category. For those with a sweet tooth, better-for-you frozen desserts are also on the rise.
• Elevated In-Home Experiences: While more people are choosing to stretch their budgets by dining at home, consumers are looking for premium, restaurant-quality options. With an additional 25.6 billion in-home eating occasions since pre-pandemic, buyers are recreating restaurant dishes at home. Frozen food is meeting this demand by offering premium, chef-inspired, and celebrity-backed products that save on preparation time while providing value, fun, and unique experiences.
• Global Cuisine: Increasingly diverse flavors continue to grow in the frozen aisle. Indian-inspired meals such as tikka masala and Japanese flavors such as teriyaki are booming, while global street food topped $543 million in sales. Younger generations are embracing these tastes and are 24% more likely to purchase globally inspired products.
• Bites & Minis: Small but mighty, bites and mini portions continue to grow in popularity, appealing to families and younger consumers. With sales increasing to $2.4 billion and a 31% increase in consumption year-over-year, these products are convenient and offer an array of options for any occasion. They're no longer thought of as just appetizers – 84% are now being enjoyed as meals.
• Spice & Heat: Spicy frozen foods are heating up, with U.S. sales surpassing $2 billion. Younger generations have a strong preference for spicy foods. In fact, Gen Z is 48% more likely to buy spicy frozen meals. Popular emerging spice profiles, such as gochujang also reflect the influence of global cuisines on this trend.
