Convenience of Prepared Food

In today's fast-paced world, the demand for convenience has become an integral part of our lifestyle. This shift in consumer behavior has significantly influenced various industries, and one area that has experienced remarkable growth is the prepared food market. As our lives become more hectic, the convenience offered by prepared foods has proven to be an irresistible allure, which continues to fuel a consistent upward trajectory in sales. Many consumers are searching for ways to make their lives easier and to take less time out of their day, and meal kits, grab-and-go, takeout, and delivery meet those needs.

Time is of the Essence. In an era where time is a precious commodity, the ability to access ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare meals is a game-changer. People juggle multiple responsibilities, including work, family, and personal pursuits. The traditional concept of spending hours in the kitchen preparing meals has become a luxury that many can no longer afford. Prepared foods offer a solution by cutting down meal preparation time, allowing individuals to focus on other pressing matters. Looking to other opportunities as food sources rather than in-home cooking is scoring high and giving many a chance to do the enjoyable things they want to with their time.

On-the-Go Lifestyle. The rise of the on-the-go lifestyle has further propelled the prepared food industry. With the increasing number of people commuting, traveling, or simply preferring to eat while multitasking, the convenience of grabbing a pre-packaged meal or snack has become indispensable. Whether it is a pre-made salad, a protein bar, or a microwaveable dinner, these options provide a quick and hassle-free solution for those constantly on the move. Not everyone has the time to stop and make a full-on meal, so these options are crucial to many.

Variety and Customization. Convenience does not just mean time-saving; it also encompasses variety and customization. Prepared food manufacturers have tapped into this demand by offering a wide array of options catering to different dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. This level of customization allows consumers to find prepared meals that align with their nutritional needs and personal tastes, all while eliminating the need to plan and cook. Guests might not know how to make certain meals that they are craving, so with the help of the restaurant, they are able to have what they are craving, either by carryout or meal boxes.

Technology and Online Shopping. The digital age has ushered in a new era of convenience, with online shopping platforms offering a plethora of prepared food options. Consumers can now browse, select, and order meals from the comfort of their homes, saving them the hassle of physically going to stores and spending time in lines. Additionally, food delivery apps have made it even easier to access prepared foods, with the added advantage of having meals delivered straight to one's doorstep. The orders made from platforms like Door Dash have dramatically risen as people can make meal requests from the comfort of their home. Before it would be simple meals that were being ordered as takeout or delivery, like pizza, but now, a user can receive any dish from a listed restaurant establishment. Before, it would be simple meals that were being ordered as takeout or delivery like pizza, and now, a user can receive any dish from a listed restaurant establishment.

Quality and Nutrition. Contrary to earlier perceptions, convenience no longer implies sacrificing quality or nutrition. As consumers become more health-conscious, the prepared food industry has responded by offering products made with higher-quality ingredients and healthier preparation methods. This shift has not only attracted health-conscious individuals but has also dispelled the notion that convenience foods are synonymous with empty calories and poor nutrition. Getting a meal on the go does not mean customers have to say goodbye to delicious and nutritional meals. Just like a meal that is made in a home, it does not mean it is more health heavy than an already prepared meal. There has become a balance where these two can work hand in hand to create a worthwhile meal.

Evolving Palates and Culinary Exploration. The modern consumer is more adventurous when it comes to culinary experiences. Prepared food manufacturers have capitalized on this by introducing a wide range of international and gourmet options. People can now explore and enjoy flavors from around the world without having to invest extensive time and effort in preparing these dishes themselves. Some recipes can be complex and require a bit of time to prepare, so having these done by a professional takes a load off for customers. Having the chance to try a meal that is prepared ahead of time by an experienced chef will give you the option of exploring new foods without having to try creating them first. Once a customer realizes they love the meal, they can return to the establishment, or they can always choose from themselves to prepare it for another go around.

The Future of Prepared Food Sales. If the pace of life continues to accelerate, the prepared food industry is poised to thrive. Convenience, a cornerstone of modern living, is a driving force behind the sustained growth in prepared food sales. However, this growth also brings opportunities and challenges. Manufacturers must remain attuned to changing consumer preferences while also addressing concerns related to sustainability, packaging waste, and nutritional content. The information in these pieces are essential for a business to continue to succeed.

The convenience factor remains an unwavering catalyst for the burgeoning prepared food market. As our lives become increasingly hectic and interconnected, the allure of saving time, effort, and stress through ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare options continues to shape our food choices. The prepared food industry's ability to meet these evolving demands while maintaining a commitment to quality and nutrition ensures its continued prominence in the culinary landscape.

Chicken Baked Ziti

CHICKEN BAKED ZITI INGREDIENTS:

·   12 ounces uncooked ziti (or any pasta shape) – SGC# 059014

·   2 cups shredded, cooked Walker Farms chicken (about 2 small chicken breasts) – SGC# 211533

·   1 1/2 cups shredded Grande mozzarella cheese – SGC# 400702

·   toppings: lots of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, finely-chopped fresh basil or parsley

ALFREDO SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

·   1 tablespoon olive oil – SGC# 065314

·   4 cloves garlic, minced – SGC# 192922

·   3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – SGC# 053330

·   1 cup chicken or vegetable stock – SGC# 211419

·   1 cup low-fat milk – SGC# 195794

·   3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – SGC# 400968

·   1/2 teaspoon salt – SGC# 052100

·   1/4 teaspoon black pepper – SGC# 169540

INSTRUCTIONS

TO MAKE THE CHICKEN BAKED ZITI:

·   Preheat oven to 375°F.  Mist a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

·   Cook the pasta al dente in a large stockpot of well-salted boiling according to package instructions. Drain. Return pasta to the stockpot and add chicken and alfredo sauce. Gently toss to combine until the pasta is evenly coated.

·   Pour half of the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup of mozzarella. Layer the remaining half of the pasta evenly on top. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella.

·   Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and just barely starts to turn golden. Remove and serve immediately, sprinkled with additional toppings if desired.

TO MAKE THE ALFREDO SAUCE:

·   Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for one minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine. Sauté for an additional minute to cook the flour, stirring occasionally.

·   Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to combine until smooth. Whisk in milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for an additional minute until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese melts. Remove from heat and set aside.