Frozen meals are heating up as diners chill on eating out.
Conagra Brands, Inc is stepping up in a big way, rolling out dozens of new frozen meals to cater to people ditching restaurants in favor of something more affordable and convenient. As food prices rise and inflation grips households, frozen food is becoming the go-to solution for stretched budgets.
This big move by Conagra includes everything from single-serve and multi-serve meals to gluten-free and plant-based dishes, plus veggie sides. It’s clear the frozen food giant is reading the room, people want quick, filling meals that won’t blow their paycheck, and they want variety. Conagra is delivering exactly that.
During an April earnings call, Conagra CEO Sean Connolly pointed out how shoppers are looking for more bang for their buck. “Where you’ve got stretched household balance sheets, you’ve had value-seeking behavior, people seeking trade-offs,” he said. That means people are using leftovers more, cooking at home, and skipping restaurants. Connolly made it clear the company is investing to meet those needs head-on.
Industry analysts are already weighing in. Arun Sundaram, a senior VP and equity analyst at CFRA Research, explained that while frozen meals might not always beat home-cooked ones in price, they definitely offer advantages, longer shelf life, portion control, and less waste. Basically, they’re ideal for busy people trying to save both money and time.
Market watchers like McKinsey agree, showing that consumers are shifting spending habits dramatically in response to financial uncertainty. And this isn’t just a short-term fix. Consumers are locking into new behaviors, and Conagra is positioning itself to become the first name people think of when they hit the frozen food aisle.
But they’re not alone in chasing the budget-conscious shopper. Aldi is throwing out its own summer-friendly finds, like a $8.99 pair of 12-inch grilling gloves in their Finds aisle. Whether it’s frozen lasagna or grill gear, retailers are laser-focused on affordability.
Here’s what Conagra’s new frozen food expansion looks like:
| Category | What’s Coming |
|---|---|
| Single-Serve Meals | Fast and filling options for solo dinners |
| Multi-Serve Meals | Family-sized meals made for sharing |
| Gluten-Free Options | For health-conscious or dietary-specific shoppers |
| Plant-Based Dishes | Vegan meals for flexitarians and plant lovers |
| Vegetable Side Dishes | Quick-prep sides that work as mains or add-ons |
This launch isn’t just about frozen meals, it’s a clear signal that Conagra knows how people are shopping and eating in 2025. With inflation still shaping every grocery trip, frozen meals are no longer just a backup plan, they’re a front-and-center solution.
Whether it’s cutting down food waste, skipping long prep times, or just not wanting to pay restaurant prices, frozen meals are having a real moment. And if you’re opening the freezer looking for something smart, affordable, and tasty, chances are one of Conagra’s new options is going to land in your cart.
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