Stories
Why Convenience Food Is No Longer Just About Saving Time
- •Convenience food is evolving beyond mere speed, with consumers now demanding better taste, texture, variety, and value for money.
- •India's ready-to-cook food category experienced massive growth, surging 58 percent in volume in 2024 and adding 18 million households over two years.
- •Modern supermarket shelves now feature diverse options ranging from dosa batter and spice mixes to frozen snacks and instant gourmet pasta.
- •Balancing affordability with high flavor and quality remains a key challenge for manufacturers in the competitive packaged food market.
- •Urban consumers increasingly evaluate convenience products based on nutrition, ingredient quality, and how well they fit into everyday routines.
Key Questions Answered
According to Kantar Worldpanel data reported in July 2025, the ready-to-cook food category in India grew by 58 per cent in volume in 2024. Additionally, the category successfully added 18 million new households over a two-year period.
A 2025 report from Mintel indicates that changing household routines and increasing time pressures are primary drivers of interest in convenient meals across India. The research also highlighted consumer interest in taste, nutritional value, and an expanding range of ready-meal products.
An October 2025 report published by Redseer examined the ongoing tension between convenience and health among urban Indian consumers. The report noted strong consumer demand for quick meals balanced alongside notable concerns regarding nutrition and the overall quality of ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat options.
