How ready-to-cook snacks replacing traditional snacks

There used to be a time, not so long ago, when people would indulge in traditional Indian snacks, high-fat foods, sweets, and more chaat-like delicacies during the festive season, but nowadays people are much more health-conscious. As a result, healthier, nutrient-dense, and delicious snacks are replacing traditional snacks. A busy schedule and lifestyle changes are also contributing to the trend of convenient food combined with mindful eating during the festive season. Food trends that were driven by traditions are giving way to the new age trends of mindfulness and convenience that are driving FMCG sales this festive season. And Ready-to-cook and frozen food segments are leading the way.

Moderation and portion control is the key

It is becoming more common for people to replace high-fat foods with frozen or ready-to-cook snacks, which are healthy and do not contain harmful preservatives or flavoured enhancers. In order to maintain a balance during the festive season, the preferred snacks are hot, quick to prepare at home in the medium of your choice, and tasty. Ready-to-cook snacks are appealing since they can be air fried, grilled, microwaved or cooked in the oven and served in a matter of a few minutes.

There must be a shelf life for festive food

Furthermore, people tend to consume more of the sweets or snacks in a short period of time due to the short shelf life of traditional Indian sweets. Thus, ready-to-cook snacks, with a longer shelf life, are proving to be a better choice for consumers. People usually overindulge or throw away sweets and traditional snacks after the festival is over, but with ready-to-cook foods, there is no wastage since you can break it up into small portions and store it back so that it remains fresh in its frozen state and thus being sustainable.

Convenience

In addition to the convenience of ready-to-cook snacks, consumers also value the fact that they can be consumed at any time. There are a variety of snacks available to choose from, including lavish options for lunch, brunch, teatime, and dinner. These snacks are ideal for any occasion for consumers. It is also convenient to make ready-to-cook snacks and frozen snacks, as they are super-fast to prepare, and they can be prepared and served by anyone, from housewives to teenagers. It is an effortless exercise to put a lavish table out for your guests. Additionally, during festival time, housewives or anyone who doesn't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing traditional snacks may find ready to cook options to be an ideal solution.

Food is increasingly being experimented with

Nowadays, people are exposed to a variety of global flavours, which encourages them to experiment with different tastes and flavours. The reason for this is that they want to offer their guests the best and most diverse range of options, and consumers are opting for frozen and ready-to-cook food for the wide variety it offers. Be it global flavours or Indian flavours, from Tikkas, kebabs, patties, rolls and gravies the vast variety suits every palate.

It is essential to maintain a high standard of hygiene

There are also concerns about the quality of openly available snacks and confectioneries, as well as the process of making them, resulting in fewer takers. Since the pandemic, people have become more aware of the handling and packaging of snacks made in untidy, unhygienic conditions. High-quality brands of ready-to-cook and frozen snacks guarantee the highest levels of hygiene and quality. These snacks are appealing to consumers because they can be opened, heated, stir-fried, and served hot with their favourite dips.

Every time it tastes the same

Whether it is salt or spices, ready-to-eat snacks are always prepared the same way, so consumers are assured about the taste before ordering. As the snacks suit everyone's palate, people are assured about the taste every time. From mild to spicy, there is a variety of taste preferences listed on snacking products for consumers.

Snacks delivered easily

People are attracted to these frozen products because of their easy availability, and they can be delivered promptly too. They can easily order their favorite snacks from any good online store and have them delivered within minutes if they are busy with several other preparations.

(The author is Co-founder of Meatington)