Tate & Lyle has released a new report highlighting the importance of considering nutritional values when producing ready meals.
The global food ingredient solutions provider has published Enhanced Eating: A Healthier Future for Prepared Meals, which addresses consumers’ need to consume additional nutrients through prepared meals.
In addition, various technical solutions are being investigated to improve the nutritional profile of ready meals.
According to the company, this can be achieved by adding vitamins, minerals, fiber and proteins to foods.
Consumer preferences are shifting towards quality, not price
Industry researchers have also recognized that the importance of high-quality ingredients is a key consumer desire, as is value for money that goes beyond price.
Almost half (48%) of consumers would consider a product valuable if it had health-promoting properties or was made from natural ingredients.1
According to the company, improving the nutritional profile of their ready meals offers manufacturers the opportunity to increase their profit margins and increase their market share.
Kerstin Werner, Category Development Manager for Soups, Sauces and Dressings at Tate & Lyle, commented: “Our research shows that value for money remains very important to consumers, but the concept of value is evolving. That’s why we talk about ‘enhanced eating’, which means choosing more nutritious foods.
“Today, consumers know that what they eat can have a big impact on how healthy they are and how they feel. That’s why they prefer products made from high-quality, healthier ingredients that offer a balance of taste, texture and nutrition. This means more than just cutting out salt and sugar and adding more nutritional value; it’s also about building a narrative around a product that appeals to consumers.”
The report also details the impact of labelling and how it influences purchasing decisions – including nutritional rating systems such as Nutri-Score and the UK’s Non-HFSS system.
“The prepared food category is incredibly diverse. There is an exciting opportunity across the entire category to innovate and incorporate all the nutritional benefits that consumers are looking for today,” added Werner.
reference
1 Kantar Profiles / Mintel, August 2022
