Not Your Grandmother’s Frozen Dinner

Driven by a growing demand for faster-to-prepare foods and new product launches in the market, the global frozen food market is expected to reach $293.75 billion by 2019, up from $224.74 billion in 2012, according to new market data from Transparency Market Research.

The U.S. was the largest market in 2012 and accounted for more than 80% share in the frozen food market followed by Japan and Germany. Frozen prepared meals, including entrees, frozen pizza, desserts, snacks, etc., accounted for more than 30% of the total global market revenue in 2012. They said frozen food made with natural and organic ingredients have shown tremendous opportunity for manufacturers. Consumers want convenient, healthy and quick meals. Not quite Swanson frozen TV dinners which was introduced in the 50’s.

Have you noticed lately that the frozen food aisle is almost as large as the produce aisle? Nestled between cool whip, frozen pizzas, a bag of peas and scores of ice cream are convenience meals-many of which are healthier than others. Some of their counterparts may be convenient, but that’s about all it has going for them. Price is questionable so scour your supermarket’s flyer–you never know what you’ll find on sale. There are so many new brands on the market now. I scored some great deals at the register to do some taste testing.

If you’re feeling a little frisky with food tonight, want to keep it simple; interested in a quick journey to a foreign country, escaping the hum drum spices, bored with the current cuisine… well I say experiment with some Indian dishes from companies that offer healthier choices.

Below is only a small sampling of what’s available. Buy a few and invite a friend over to do a taste test. You don’t have to make it a TV dinner. Heat and serve along with old Lassi, a yogurt flavored drink. Make sure you serve on eco-friendly dinnerware. You can even recycle the trays.

1. Amy’s – Indian Paneer Tikka with Coconut Milk
2. Deep Foods -Lamb Vindaloo with Turmeric infused Basmati Rice
3. Dr. Praeger’s -Bombay Curry Veggie Burgers for the good old burger meal with an Indian twist
4. Saffron Road -Chicken Biryani made with yogurt and caramelized onions.
5. Sukhi’s -Chicken Tikka Masala with lots of different spices and black lentil flour