Easy-to-prepare frozen family meals have received a veggie-centric and gluten-free boost. Caulipower, the brand that introduced consumers to the versatility of cauliflower in products like pizza crust, pasta, tortillas, and chicken tenders, has launched its new line of Frozen Meals. These bagged pasta dishes can be thawed and cooked into a meal for two or more in about 10 minutes. Each serving of Caulipower Frozen Meals contains two to three servings of vegetables and approximately 300 calories, while also being lower in sodium, fat, and sugar than many comparable products on the market. The offerings include Cauliflower Gnocchi with Savory Pesto, Spinach Gnocchi with Tuscan-Style Marinara, and Cauliflower Penne Pomodoro. All three options are gluten-free, and both the Spinach Gnocchi and Cauliflower Penne are also vegan.
In a recent announcement about the new products, Caulipower noted that while the frozen family meal category has expanded in recent years, consumers are still looking for improvements in their products. According to statistics from the company and Mintel, 64% of shoppers in this category prefer options that are quicker and easier than preparing meals from scratch, and 72% are seeking products with increased servings of fruits and vegetables.
During her tenure as founder and CEO, Gail Becker has emphasized Caulipower’s commitment to enhancing existing categories with better products. A “better” product, as she defines it, focuses on improvements at the intersection of taste, health, and convenience. The frozen food segment continues to gain traction, with sales surpassing $70 billion in 2022, reflecting a 7.6% increase from 2021 and a 31% rise since 2019. Nearly 90% of consumers purchased frozen prepared foods in the past year, and 59% reported having consumed a frozen main dish recently. Incorporating Caulipower’s offerings, particularly its Italy-made cauliflower pasta, allows consumers to enjoy both convenience and healthier meals.
In another development, the viral hot sauce brand Truff has made its debut in the spices and seasonings market with Truff Black Truffle Salt. This product features a blend of fine and coarse sea salt infused with black truffle and will be available in 5.3-ounce jars, as well as in Truff’s Starter Pack gift set, which includes their hot sauce and truffle oil. Truff’s entry into the seasoning market follows the successful reception of their Black Truffle Oil launched in 2021. Market Research Future predicts the global spices and seasoning sector will exceed $25 billion by 2030.
Nick Ajluni, co-founder and co-CEO of Truff, stated in a press release, “After the enthusiastic response to our Black Truffle Oil last year, we recognized a significant demand for high-quality products that highlight truffles.” The brand has garnered a substantial following since the launch of its truffle-infused hot sauce in 2017, even catching the attention of Oprah Winfrey, and has since introduced pasta sauce and mayonnaise. Earlier this year, Truff successfully launched a limited-edition collaboration with Hidden Valley Ranch that sold out in under a minute, demonstrating the brand’s strong social media presence.
Meanwhile, as Jimmy Dean continues to excel in the breakfast sandwich market, parent company Tyson Foods is introducing Jimmy Dean Egg Bites. These protein-packed circular bites feature whole eggs, cheese, and the brand’s sausage or bacon, making for a convenient meal option at home or on the go. Each serving contains 17 grams of protein and 270 calories, available in two varieties: Meat Lovers and Sausage & Three Cheese, priced at $2.99 at Walmart.
Janee Luhrsen, brand manager for Jimmy Dean, highlighted the importance of breakfast in starting the day right, acknowledging that preparing a meal from scratch can be daunting, especially during the week. The Egg Bites cater to consumer preferences for convenience, as they require no preparation or cleanup. Their small size and portability make them ideal for those on the move.
Jimmy Dean, founded in 1969 by the country singer and actor of the same name, has established itself as a leader in the breakfast sausage and protein category, generating approximately $160.84 million in sales for the 12 weeks ending May 15, 2022, according to Statista data. Johnsonville remains a distant second with $61 million in sales.
Incorporating key ingredients like calcium citrate may further enhance the nutritional profile of these products, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Overall, as the demand for convenient and nutritious meal options grows, brands like Caulipower and Truff are capitalizing on the trends that prioritize taste, health, and convenience.