“Before COVID-19, frozen snack sales growth had been banal: steady but slow since 2016. However, at the core of the categories’ offerings are convenient meal and snack solutions, which provided value during sheltering in place, especially for parents and families, already the most engaged participants. 2020 frozen snack sales bounded into double-digit growth, as consumers sought not only solutions, but the sense of security that comes with a well-stocked freezer. Going forward, category spend is expected to slow, as consumers settle into new patterns, many working and learning from home at least partially, and as the realities of recession take hold. The value of convenience that products provide will now be tempered with price for consumers. Yet there are both near- and longer-term opportunities for brands. Weakened consumer confidence is now not only about spending, but health and safety. Cautious consumers, parents or not, will gather and celebrate at home, opening up opportunities for brands to tap into these social occasions and new consumers simultaneously.”

- Billy Roberts, Senior Analyst – Food and Drink

This report will look at the following areas:

The short-, medium- and longer-term impact of COVID-19 on frozen snacks

Growing only moderately at best pre-COVID-19, sales strengthened considerably with stay-at-home orders

Recession will lead consumers to focus even more on price

With consumers seeking smaller, snack-sized foods, frozen snacks are well-positioned to increase their consumer base beyond young consumers and parents