The Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food market is growing rapidly, driven by busy lifestyles and the demand for convenient, time-saving meal solutions. RTE foods, including frozen, chilled, and shelf-stable meals, are especially popular among working professionals, students, and individuals with limited time. In India, the market is expanding due to urbanization, increased disposable incomes, and a shift towards healthier, sustainable options.
Additionally, e-commerce platforms are enhancing accessibility, while cultural preferences and eco-friendly packaging are gaining importance. As health-conscious consumers seek variety and convenience, the RTE food sector continues to innovate, ensuring steady growth in the coming years.
The demand for RTE food has significantly increased in today’s fast-paced world, as time becomes a scarce resource and lifestyles evolve. Consumers are turning to convenient meal options that require little to no preparation, driving a shift in the food industry and influencing global consumer habits.
Ready to eat foods are fully prepared, eliminating the need for additional cooking or extensive preparation. These meals are typically pre-cooked, pre-cleaned, or pre-packaged for convenience, and can be eaten hot or cold, depending on the type. Examples include pre-packaged sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, burgers, microwavable meals, canned soups, frozen entrees, and snacks like pastries or salads.
RTE foods are, particularly favoured by busy individuals such as working professionals, students, and those living alone, as they provide a quick and convenient meal solution. The growing consumer preference for long-lasting, minimally processed, and additive-free food products is anticipated to drive further market growth. The food service industry—comprising hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries—plays a crucial role in the expansion of the ready-to-eat food market. These establishments meet the rising consumer demand for convenient, on-the-go meal options.
The RTE food market features a wide variety of products, including meat items, bakery and confectionery products, as well as instant breakfasts and cereals. In developing countries, ready-to-eat salads and vegetables are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, appealing taste, and growing awareness of their health benefits. Key product types include frozen meals, chilled meals, shelf-stable meals and snacks.
The Market Research Future report highlights that,
Frozen Meals lead the RTE food market, valued at US$ 42 billion in 2024 and are projected to reach US$ 65 billion by 2035. Their popularity stems from their convenience and extended shelf life, making them a reliable choice for time-pressed consumers.
Chilled meals, with a 2024 valuation of US$ 30 billion, are expected to grow to US$ 45.5 billion by 2035. These meals appeal to health-conscious buyers seeking fresher, more nutritious options.
Shelf-stable meals, valued at US$ 35 billion in 2024, are forecasted to rise to US$ 48.5 billion by 2035. Their ability to be stored without refrigeration makes them especially attractive to consumers in remote areas and those looking for long-lasting, ready-to-eat options.
Snacks represent a rapidly growing segment, valued at US$ 25.09 billion in 2024 and set to reach US$ 46.7 billion by 2035. This surge reflects the increasing demand for portable, on-the-go eating options in response to busy lifestyles.
The global RTE meals market is set for significant growth, fuelled by shifting consumer preferences, higher disposable incomes, and a rising demand for convenient food options.
According to Market Research Future report, the global RTE meals market was valued at US$ 126.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from US$ 132.1 billion in 2024 to over US$ 204.7 billion by 2035. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of approximately 4.07% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.
North America dominates the global RTE market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The North American RTE meals market was valued at US$ 24.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$ 77.1 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of nearly 10%.
The European RTE meals market was valued at US$ 20.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to US$ 64.24 billion by 2035. The growth in Asia-Pacific (APAC) ready-to-eat meals market is driven by rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes. China’s RTE meals market was valued at US$ 6.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$ 25.8 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of around 11%.
Correspondingly, the Indian Ready-to-Eat Meals Market was valued at US$ 5.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to increase to US$ 22.4 billion by 2035, growing at a robust CAGR of around 12.14%.
While the market shows strong momentum, manufacturers face challenges such as growing health concerns and competition from fresh alternatives. Nonetheless, the diversity in product types highlights ongoing opportunities for innovation to cater to shifting consumer needs and preferences.
India’s RTE food market has seen rapid growth in recent years, fueled by; the surging demand for frozen foods, especially in tier-1 and tier-2 cities. The rise of online platforms as a key distribution channel has played a pivotal role in expanding market reach and accessibility. Meanwhile, growing consumer interest in sustainable packaging and healthier meal choices is encouraging manufacturers to enhance and innovate their RTE product lines, aligning with modern lifestyle and environmental trends.
The RTE meals market in the country includes a broad array of products, ranging from instant breakfasts and baked items to meat-based and plant-based meals. A majority of RTE consumers prioritize nutrition, reflecting a strong shift toward health-focused eating habits.
Among the most popular RTE offerings are:
Rice and noodles, which remain staples due to their cultural relevance and adaptability. These meals often blend traditional flavours with modern innovations, appealing to a broad range of tastes.
Salads are gaining momentum as a healthy, on-the-go choice, especially among health-conscious consumers who value nutrition alongside convenience.
Gravies and curries continue to be essential components of the Indian diet, offering diverse regional flavours and a comforting familiarity.
Western-inspired meals like pasta and pizza have been customized to suit Indian palates and are particularly favoured by younger consumers.
Soups are emerging as a light and nourishing meal option, especially during cooler seasons, while other niche and innovative RTE products are also entering the market to meet diverse dietary needs and preferences.
Overall, the India RTE Meals Market reflects a broader trend toward convenience without compromising on quality or taste.
India also exports a wide range of RTE products. Over the past few years, India’s export of RTE food products has experienced a significant growth.
According to APEDA, India’s RTE exports were worth US$ 1521.56 million in 2023-24, growing at a 4-year CAGR of 13%. During 2024-25 (April-January), India recorded a strong growth, with RTE exports worth US$ 2,792.4 million.
The major India’s RTE food products exported include- Sweet Biscuits, Sugar Confectionery, Bread, Pastry, Sweets, Rice Papad, Flakes, Granules & Pellets Of Potatoes and other RTE products. Notably, Biscuits & Confectionery and Indian Sweets & Snacks constitute a major share of India’s RTE exports.
For the period April-January during 2024-25, export share of top five RTE items (totalling about 80% of RTE exports) was-
Major India’s RTE food products export destinations include
During 2024-25 (April-January), India’s top 5 markets were the USA (US$ 534.3 million), UAE (US$ 271 million), Canada (US$ 164.8 million), Australia (US$ 140.4 million), and UK (US$ 117.7 million).
India’s RTE meals market is witnessing dynamic growth, fuelled by changing consumer lifestyles and increasing urbanization. A major driver of this shift is the rising need for convenient meal solutions among busy professionals and young families who seek quick, easy-to-prepare options without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
The growing number of nuclear families and fast-paced urban living have further amplified demand for ready-to-eat products tailored for immediate consumption. This evolving landscape presents significant opportunities for brands that prioritize innovation—particularly those offering healthier options and unique flavour profiles.
The market encompasses a diverse range of products, including frozen meals, snacks, instant mixes, and ready-to-cook foods, catering to the varied tastes and preferences of Indian consumers.
Increasing health awareness is also encouraging a shift toward organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Cultural preferences, such as widespread vegetarianism, offer additional scope for market growth. At the same time, digital transformation—accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—has driven a surge in online grocery shopping. E-commerce platforms are making it easier for both established and emerging brands to reach a wider audience without heavy investment in physical stores.
Eco-friendly packaging is another growing trend, as environmentally conscious consumers increasingly seek sustainable alternatives.
Appealing packaging and in-store promotions are attracting attention and encouraging impulse purchases among consumers.
As the Indian RTE meals market matures, consumer demand for convenience, healthier choices, sustainable practices, and greater variety will play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
The RTE meals market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by changing consumer lifestyles and the increasing demand for convenience. India’s market, in particular, is expanding due to rising urbanization, health awareness, and the shift toward sustainable, nutritious options. As consumers prioritize quick, healthy, and innovative meals, brands that cater to these evolving preferences will lead the way, creating opportunities for continued market growth and diversification.
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