Convenience eating continues to rise among consumers

good natured Products Inc., a North American leader in plant-based products, recently announced the results of its first ever eco-friendly packaging survey in its “Ready-to-Eat” Report. The report reveals consumer sentiment and preferences around convenience eating, which is continuing to grow despite persistent inflation due to our increasingly busy lifestyles.

With the rising consumption of prepared meals, consumers are expecting the brands they trust to make packaging choices that are better for the planet, and also safeguard the integrity, freshness and safety of the food that’s stored inside.

The industry has reached a pivotal moment in the “convenience eating” landscape that requires businesses to help ease the burden on consumers who are choosing ready-to-eat meals over home cooking but are confused by how to reduce their environmental impact.

Given the growing variety of on-the-go food options, the report provides businesses with insights into consumer eating habits and what they are shopping for, along with an understanding of the environmental consequences of a highly mobile society.

Key findings of the “Ready to Eat” Report reveal:

• Convenience is King: 72% of respondents said that they are consistently buying or increasing their consumption of ready-to-eat meals, meal kits, and takeout food and delivery since the start of the year.
• Consumers Care: 77% of respondents consider sustainable packaging crucial, while almost half believe it's the responsibility of the business to offer eco-friendly alternatives.
• Consumer Education is Necessary: Nearly 1 in 3 respondents have good intentions to dispose or recycle their food packaging, but don’t know the proper procedures to do so.

“The key factors consumers keep in mind when shopping for food are visibility and freshness,” said Paul Antoniadis, CEO of good natured®. “These factors are illustrated in our various product innovations. Our goal is to make it easy for businesses to choose good natured® packaging and not have to think twice about food safety, quality or freshness when choosing eco-friendly packaging options.”

good natured® offers more than 400 products and services through wholesale, direct to business, and retail channels. From plant-based home organization products to certified compostable food containers, bio-based industrial supplies and medical packaging, the company is focused on making plant-based products more readily accessible to people as a means to create meaningful environmental and social impact.

good natured® has been a pioneer in sustainable consumer goods and commercial packaging for over 15 years. The company's compostable, recyclable, and plant-based products including carry out boxes, bakery packaging and more.