Recent census data shows that 64% of U.S. households are made up of just one or two people (Statista/U.S. Census Bureau, 2023) – and if you’ve ever cooked for a household of one or two, you know exactly why small-format, pre-portioned protein makes sense. Value-added protein – protein available in the grocery store pre-portioned, pre-seasoned, pre-sauced, or a combination of all three – is a smart choice for smaller households, eliminating the food waste that comes with, say, buying a pack of chicken breasts for just one person. And if it’s frozen, that’s even better; millennial consumers tend to shop for frozen meat at least once a week (Canadian Grocer, 2024).
Given the relatively small size of U.S. households and the demand for convenience in the culinary space, the rise of small-format, value-added protein makes a lot of sense. Luckily for protein brands, there’s a huge opportunity to set small-format offerings apart with custom sauces, dips, and marinades. From poultry and pork to beef, seafood, and increasingly popular plant-based proteins, custom sauces can take every kind of value-added protein to the next level.
Why Value-Added Protein Brands Are Digging into Small-Format
Like we mentioned above, there’s a huge market opportunity for value-added protein brands in today’s grocery space. And for savvy brands hoping to drive real consumer loyalty, there’s an additional opportunity: incorporating custom sauces, dips, or marinades into their small-format protein products. Read on to find out why custom sauces are such a great idea for value-added protein options.
Enhancing Perceived Value with Custom Sauces
Adding custom sauces to value-added protein is a fast, delicious way to enhance the perceived value of your products. The right sauce, dip, or marinade can transform basic poultry, beef, or plant-based protein into a gourmet experience. By positioning your protein as a premium product, you’ll be able to justify a higher price point and attract foodies who prefer to shop in the premium grocery space. That’s not all – custom sauces will allow you to speak to new consumers with diverse palates and dietary preferences. Whether consumers are exploring international flavors or simply looking for fresh, veggie-packed accents with their protein, your brand can deliver with private label condiments and custom sauces.
Cashing in on Culinary Trends
Today’s foodies are excited about trending flavors, but they’re likely less inclined to splurge on, for example, a whole bottle of sauce they haven’t tried. Instead, brands can tap into the desire for innovation by integrating trending and flavorful sauces, dips, or marinades into value-added protein offerings. That way, shoppers can sample the hottest flavors without having to purchase an entire bottle they may not use.
Elevating Consumer Convenience
Small-format, value-added proteins are a great solution for busy lifestyles, whether that means cooking for one after a long workday or rallying an entire family before a busy night of after-school activities. Small-format packaging also makes it easier for consumers to enjoy custom sauces on bite-sized proteins; for example, a frozen protein dish with a built-in sauce pouch means that anyone can enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal anywhere – be that at home, in the office, or in a hotel room. Finally, value-added protein meals appeal to consumers who are looking for added portion and nutrition control, making it more likely that health-conscious shoppers will find your brand.
Between smaller household sizes, the demand for convenience, and the desire to try new foods in convenient packages, the rise of small-format, value-added protein just makes sense. If you’re hoping to tap into this growing market sector, custom sauces are the perfect way to set your product apart.
Are you working to get a value-added protein product ready for shelves? Our culinary experts can provide the latest insights into flavor trends to guide your brand. By partnering with a custom sauce formulator like Giraffe Foods, you can get ahead of the competition.
