Quick meal needs: From meat to sauce

Americans may be eating more meals at home, but they are still as pressed as ever for time. That means that food-prep time-savers are crucial for consumers. Consumers want to make healthful, fresh meals at home, but they depend on some prepared elements.


By stocking more convenience components on shelves, drug store retailers are occupying a sweet spot for satisfying consumers’ quick-prep meal needs. In their pantry sections, stores are stocking more pasta and a wider selection or sauces. Meal kits and packaged flavorings also are making their way into the mix. In freezer sections, frozen pizzas and entrees now share space with frozen chicken and fish and frozen vegetables in steam bags.