Home meal replacements (HMRs) have come a long way since the days of soggy TV dinners and bland veggie side dishes. Consumers are increasingly turning to HMRs for quick, convenient, and delicious mealtime solutions. In fact, 74% of consumers agreed that the quality of retail prepared foods has greatly improved over the past two years (Technomic, 2023). It’s undeniable that there’s a growing demand for ready-to-eat meals that don’t sacrifice flavor or quality – and with that demand, a great opportunity for brands to elevate their HMR offerings through custom sauces. This week, we’re outlining ways your brand can create unique HMRs to attract and retain loyal supermarket shoppers.
Key Trends in Home Meal Replacements
- Variety is everything: 34% of consumers appreciate the growing variety of ready meals on grocery shelves (Datassential, 2024). Custom sauces are one of the easiest ways to introduce new and exciting flavor profiles. This helps HMRs stand out on the shelf while appealing to adventurous consumers who crave innovation – especially younger shoppers. Statistically, millennials and Gen Z-ers are more likely to try new flavors (Datassential, 2024).
- The foodservice-to-retail pipeline: We’re seeing more and more retail brands incorporating popular foodservice menu items into ready-made meals. Custom sauces help elevate HMRs, delivering gourmet, restaurant-style sauces for consumers to enjoy at home.
- A gourmet experience: Shoppers aren’t just looking for variety; they’re looking for a truly gourmet experience from HMRs. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for brands that use high-quality ingredients in creative ways. They’re also on the hunt for healthy ready meals that prioritize fresh vegetables, herbs, and other health-conscious ingredients.
Elevating HMRs with Custom Sauces
If you’re a foodservice brand bringing an HMR to market, custom sauces are the best way to deliver the gourmet experience that today’s shoppers are craving. In the ready meal space, custom sauces offer the following:
- Enhanced flavor profiles: Custom sauces give brands the flexibility to create totally unique flavor experiences. Picture a classic grilled chicken breast. Good on its own, sure – but with a Black Garlic Teriyaki BBQ Glaze? It’s out of this world. Same goes for a healthy fish entree served with a citrusy Ponzu Sauce. Customers are willing to pay a premium for that unique flavor experience.
- Customization: Consumers want the power of personalization. By providing a variety of sauce options, brands can deliver a more personalized, versatile HMR experience that feels closer to fine dining. Offering dipping sauces, dressings, or drizzle options alongside the main meal gives consumers the power to enhance their meal experience in a delicious way. Not sure how to implement that level of customization? We have a few ideas:
- Birria Taco Kit: Give shoppers the choice between Chipotle Crema and Cilantro Yogurt Sauce, including both in the kit for an added level of personalization.
- Healthy Salad Bowls: Offer these with Tahini Lime Dressing and Spicy Ranch Dressing so consumers can mix and match.
- Asian-Inspired Stir Fry: Take this ready-meal favorite to the next level with Soy-Ginger Glaze and Hoisin Sauce included in the package.
- Ready-to-Eat Chicken Wings: Offering both a Sriracha Aioli Dip and a Smoky Maple Ranch Sauce makes this game-day favorite a crowd-pleaser.
The right sauce can elevate even the simplest HMR into a premium product. Whether you’re drizzling juicy chicken breast with Balsamic Glaze or tempting supermarket shoppers with Truffle Aioli, custom sauces position your home meal replacements as a high-end, restaurant-quality product.
By partnering with Giraffe Foods, your HMRs can tell a story through flavor. Our R&D experts are here to help you transport consumers with seasonal sauces, intriguing regional cuisine, and top-notch convenience.
