The future of the frozen food industry is heating up, and we have the inside scoop on the most popular frozen foods set to dominate in the UK by 2024! Get ready to explore this icy realm with us, and discover the key products that shouldn’t miss out on. Stay ahead of the market trends and empower your businesses with the most sought-after frozen delights. Get ready to boost your business by riding the wave of the hottest culinary delights coming your way. Let’s dive in!
The UK frozen food industry is one of the fastest-growing in Europe, with annual growth rates of over 10 percent. In 2023, the market value of frozen foods will reach £4.37 billion, representing a compound annual growth rate of 6.2% over the next five years.
The top-selling frozen food items in the UK
The reasons behind the popularity of these top-selling frozen food items include convenience, cost-effectiveness, longer shelf life, portion control, increased health awareness, and the appeal of having bakery-quality food and snacks at home.
In today’s fast-paced society, these factors play a major role in consumers’ purchasing decisions.
The top-selling frozen food items in the UK include the following:
1. Frozen Chicken
Frozen chicken is one of the most popular frozen food items in the UK, and it is available in a variety of forms, such as chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken wings, and chicken drumsticks. It is a convenient option for busy people who want to have a healthy and protein-rich meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
One of the biggest advantages of frozen chicken is that it has a longer shelf life than fresh chicken, which means that it can be stored for longer periods without spoiling. This makes it a great option for people who like to stock up on food and plan their meals in advance.
Frozen chicken is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, such as stir-fries, curries, stews, casseroles, and salads. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling, baking, frying, or roasting, depending on the desired flavour and texture.
2. Frozen Meat
Frozen meat is another popular frozen food item in the UK, and it includes a variety of options such as beef and lamb. Similar to frozen chicken, frozen meat has a longer shelf life than fresh meat, which makes it a convenient option for people who want to stock up on food and save money on groceries.
Frozen meat is also a good option for people who want to buy high-quality meat from reputable sources, as it is often sourced from premium farms and suppliers. This means that it can be a healthier and more sustainable option.
3. Frozen Seafood
Frozen seafood is another popular frozen food item in the UK, and it includes a wide range of options such as fish, shrimp, crab, and lobster. Frozen seafood is a convenient option for people who live far from the coast and want to enjoy seafood without having to travel long distances.
Frozen fish and seafood is a growing market. It’s also a good alternative to fresh fish, which can be more expensive and difficult to find in some parts of the country. Frozen fish provides good protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may help reduce heart disease risk factors like high cholesterol levels.
It also rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, phosphorus and selenium (which helps your body fight disease).
Frozen fish has long been considered a healthy food choice for those looking for ways to get more protein into their diets.
4. Frozen Ready Made Meals
Frozen ready-made meals are a popular option for people who want a quick and easy meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch. They are widely available in UK supermarkets, with a range of cuisines and options to suit different dietary requirements.
One of the main advantages of frozen ready-made meals is convenience. They can be stored in the freezer for a long time, and can be cooked in the oven or microwave in just a few minutes. This makes them an ideal option for busy people or those who don’t have much time to cook.
Another advantage of frozen ready-made meals is the variety available. They come in a range of cuisines, from traditional British meals like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie, to international cuisines like Italian pasta dishes or Chinese stir-fries. There are also options available for people with specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or vegetarian meals.
5. Frozen Pizza and Naan Bread
Frozen pizza and naan bread are another popular option for people who want a quick and easy meal. They are also widely available in UK supermarkets, with a range of brands and flavours to choose from.
One advantage of frozen pizza and naan bread is that they are very easy to prepare. They can be cooked in the oven in just a few minutes, making them a convenient option for busy people or those who don’t have much time to cook.
Another advantage is the variety available. Frozen pizza comes in a range of flavours, from classic Margherita to spicy pepperoni or vegetarian options. Naan bread also comes in a range of flavours, from plain to garlic or cheese.
6. Frozen vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They also provide fibre, potassium and iron. They can be used to make soups or salads in the winter months when fresh produce is scarce.
Frozen vegetables are popular among vegetarians because they don’t require the use of animal products in order to prepare them. These items include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and peas (frozen).
7. Frozen desserts
Frozen desserts are a popular choice for people who want to eat ice cream. They’re also a good choice for people who want to eat ice cream without the hassle of making it themselves.
Ice cream is a beloved treat in the UK, and frozen ice cream sales continue to be strong. The vast selection of brands and flavours makes ice cream an enticing frozen dessert option for a wide range of consumers.
A frozen dessert staple, ice cream comes in numerous flavours and forms, like tubs, cones, and sticks.
All of the most popular frozen desserts you can find online or in stores around town.
The reasons for Frozen Food popularity
The reasons for their popularity can be attributed to the following factors:
Convenience: These frozen food items are easy to prepare and cook, making them an attractive option for busy individuals and families who may not have the time to prepare meals from scratch.
Affordability: Frozen foods are often more budget-friendly compared to fresh or restaurant-prepared counterparts. This makes them appealing to consumers looking to save money without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Long shelf life: Frozen products have a longer shelf life compared to fresh items, which means less food waste and reduced grocery expenses for the consumer.
Consistent quality: Due to the freezing process, these food items maintain a more consistent quality throughout the year, making them a reliable option for consumers.
Variety: The range of available frozen food options has increased over the years, giving customers a greater choice in terms of taste, ingredients, and dietary requirements.
Overall, the popularity of top-selling frozen food items in the UK can be attributed to their convenience, affordability, long shelf life, consistent quality, and variety.
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Conclusion
In UK market, frozen foods have the highest share in the total food industry since it attracts a large number of customers and enjoys popularity for their convenience. In recent years, frozen food sector has been growing steadily, and more and more players pay attention to this industry as it has a high potential in developing. As price drops and quality improves, we believe that frozen foods will be popular among people. UK Food Wholesalers would focus on processing and packaging food with nutrient-enhancing features.
We’ve taken a look at the top frozen foods in the UK. That also shows that pizza bases and ready meals are still the most popular items but there has been an increase in the popularity of frozen fish and seafood and frozen desserts.
