In an ever-evolving world where time is of the essence, and convenience is king, frozen foods have emerged as a savior for busy households, culinary enthusiasts, and professional chefs alike. In recent years, a remarkable transformation has been taking place in the world of baked goods, centered around the concept of frozen bakery products.
This paradigm shift is redefining the way people access and consume their favorite baked goods. Essentially, the frozen bakery market has carved a niche that blends the best of both worlds—convenience and taste. Frozen bakery market size will cross USD 81 billion by 2032, suggests a research report from Global Market Insights Inc.
The demand for convenience foods is steadily rising, driven by changing lifestyles, busy schedules, and an increased focus on work-life balance. Frozen bakery products offer a solution to time-strapped consumers who crave fresh-baked goods without the time and effort required for traditional baking. The use of flash freezing and other modern freezing techniques that preserve the taste, texture, and nutritional value of baked goods have further exacerbated this trend. A two-year study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis found no significant differences in vitamin content among fresh, frozen, and “fresh-stored” produce, establishing frozen goods as a viable alternative to freshly baked items.
Shift to plant-based snacks
The global shift toward plant-based diets has had a profound impact on the demand for frozen baked savory snacks. As consumers increasingly embrace veganism and opt for plant-based alternatives, the frozen snack industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As per statistics from Ipsos Retail Performance, in the United States, the number of vegans has grown by 300% over the past 15 years, with an estimated 9.6 million people identifying as vegans as of 2020.
In response to this growing trend, the frozen snack market has been quick to adapt. Brands are introducing a wide range of plant-based frozen savory snacks, from vegan pizza rolls to meatless empanadas, appealing to a broader customer base. For instance, in August 2022, food manufacturing experts, Wright Food Group, unveiled additions to the Wrights brand, including an array of vegan savory pastries, such as Vegan Steak Pie, Vegan Chicken and Mushroom Pie, Vegan Pasty, and others. This strategic expansion was indicative of the firm’s commitment to catering to evolving culinary preferences and providing an inclusive array of savory options within the marketplace. As the plant-based movement continues to gain momentum, frozen savory snacks are set to emerge as a dynamic segment of the food industry.
3 key innovations fueling the frozen bakery industry
Innovation is rapidly reshaping the frozen bakery market, creating a dynamic landscape driven by evolving consumer demands and technological advancements. This transformation is imperative for the industry’s continued growth and adaptability, and is demonstrated by several emerging trends, 3 of which are indicated below:
Clean-label products
Firstly, the shift towards healthier and more transparent food options has spurred innovation in the development of clean label products within the frozen bakery industry. Consumers today are more health-conscious and demand baked goods that are free from artificial additives and preservatives. This has led to the reformulation of recipes to include natural, recognizable ingredients, all while maintaining the taste and texture that consumers expect. Brands are increasingly investing in research and development to create clean label products that cater to this growing health-conscious market. In March 2023, Ingredion expanded its clean-label, functional ingredient offerings in the U.S. with the launch of the Fibertex CF line of texturizers, crafted from citrus peels, aimed at enhancing snack and bakery textures.
Allergen-free options
Gluten-free and allergen-free options represent a pivotal innovation that addresses the dietary requirements of a broader audience. Many individuals are gluten intolerant or have allergies to specific ingredients, necessitating the creation of a diverse range of frozen bakery products that are free from allergens and gluten. Innovative approaches to ingredient sourcing and processing have allowed manufacturers to offer high-quality, allergen-free, and gluten-free baked goods that align with these dietary restrictions. For instance, in October 2022, frozen food company Cappello’s introduced the Low Carb Lifestyle Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, a gluten-free, keto-friendly, high-fiber frozen pizza with a crust crafted from ingredients such as turnips, flaxseed, and almond flour, with the aim of appealing to health and diet-conscious consumers.
Premium & artisanal baked goods
Finally, premium and artisanal offerings have disrupted the market by providing consumers with an elevated bakery experience at home. Artisanal frozen bakery products, such as handcrafted pastries and specialty breads, have gained popularity among those who seek an indulgent and unique taste. Companies are introducing premium lines that focus on high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations, redefining the frozen bakery landscape and providing consumers with an array of gourmet options. In March 2021, Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery and Rudi’s Organic Bakery unveiled Rudi’s Rocky Mountain Bakery, a frozen bread brand aimed at making small-batch, artisanal, and gourmet packaged baked goods more accessible to consumers.
As consumers increasingly seek convenience, healthier options, and artisanal quality in their baked goods, the capacity to innovate is proving essential for the future success of not just the frozen bakery sector but for the food industry as a whole. By adapting to evolving trends and leveraging technology, the frozen bakery market remains on a trajectory of continuous growth and adaptation, offering consumers an increasingly diverse and satisfying array of options and carving a significant path to success in an ever-evolving food ecosystem.
Find out more at: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/frozen-bakery-market