A Changing Taste: India’s Ready-to-Eat Meals Market
India’s food landscape has witnessed notable change over recent years, especially with the rise of ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. As routines grow busier and time spent on cooking decreases, many households and individuals are turning toward prepared meal options. These products offer familiar recipes in a quick-to-serve form, becoming a practical choice for various lifestyles.
Shifting Consumer Patterns
“The shift toward ready-to-eat meals reflects changing work schedules, long commutes, and fast-paced living. Students, office-goers, and individuals living away from family often find these meals useful. Traditional Indian dishes like poha, idli, rajma, dal, biryani, and khichdi are commonly found in RTE format, showing how local taste preferences shape the category.”
Key Factors Behind Growth
“There are several reasons for this rise. Urbanization, increased workforce participation, especially among youth, and shrinking household sizes contribute greatly. Access through supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online grocery platforms further supports availability. The pandemic period also played a role, as stored and long-shelf-life food gained importance during uncertain times.”
Product Diversification and Technology
“Packaging and food processing technology have expanded this category. Techniques such as retort packaging, freezing, and dehydration help preserve flavor and texture for longer durations. The market now includes vegetarian, non-vegetarian, regional, instant snacks, complete meals, and even global cuisine.”
Concerns and Limitations
“Despite progress, there are concerns. Some consumers associate ready-to-eat food with reduced freshness or lower nutritional value. The environmental impact of single-use packaging is another debated point. Price sensitivity also influences purchasing behavior in many regions, as not every product fits into regular household budgets.”