Easy-to-prepare frozen family meals have received a veggie-centric and gluten-free enhancement. Caulipower, the brand that introduced consumers to the versatility of cauliflower as pizza crust, pasta, tortillas, and coating for chicken tenders and nuggets, has launched its new Frozen Meals line. These bagged pasta dishes can be defrosted and cooked into a meal for two or more in just about 10 minutes. Each serving of Caulipower Frozen Meals includes two to three servings of vegetables and is approximately 300 calories. Additionally, they contain less sodium, fat, and sugar compared to many similar products available today. The Caulipower Frozen Meals range includes Cauliflower Gnocchi with Savory Pesto, Spinach Gnocchi with Tuscan-Style Marinara, and Cauliflower Penne Pomodoro. All three options are gluten-free, and both the Spinach Gnocchi and Cauliflower Penne are also vegan.
In a recent announcement regarding these new products, Caulipower noted that the frozen family meal segment has seen growth in recent years, yet the offerings have not evolved in ways that consumers desire. According to data from Caulipower and Mintel, 64% of consumers purchase from this category for its convenience compared to cooking from scratch, while 72% are seeking products that provide more servings of fruits and vegetables. Throughout its journey, Caulipower’s founder and CEO, Gail Becker, has emphasized the company’s commitment to improving established categories by delivering better products—those that enhance taste, health, and convenience.
The frozen food sector continues to experience a surge in popularity, with sales exceeding $70 billion in 2022, as per NielsenIQ statistics referenced in a recent Acosta study. This marks a 7.6% increase from 2021 and a 31% rise since 2019. Nearly 90% of consumers purchased frozen prepared food in the past year, and 59% reported having consumed a frozen main dish recently. Adding Caulipower’s offerings—especially its Italy-made cauliflower pasta—allows consumers to enjoy the balance of convenience and a healthier meal option.
In another development, viral hot sauce brand Truff has launched its first product in the spices and seasonings category: Truff Black Truffle Salt. This product features a blend of fine and coarse sea salt with a distinctive black truffle finish, sold in individual 5.3-ounce jars. It will also be included in Truff’s Starter Pack gift set alongside a bottle of Truff’s hot sauce and truffle oil. Following the positive feedback from its 2021 expansion into oils, Truff decided to enter the seasoning market. Market Research Future anticipates that the spices and seasonings sector will surpass $25 billion globally by 2030.
“After the enthusiastic response to our Black Truffle Oil last year, we recognized the strong demand for simple, high-quality products that highlight the truffle,” said Nick Ajluni, Truff’s co-founder and co-CEO. “Our Black Truffle Salt provides customers with an easy and versatile way to enhance their kitchen experience with just a pinch.” Since launching its truffle-infused hot sauce in 2017, Truff has developed a loyal following, including celebrity endorsements like Oprah Winfrey. The brand has also introduced pasta sauce and mayonnaise.
Truff has successfully launched a new product this year, leveraging its popularity on social media. Its limited-edition collaboration with Hidden Valley Ranch—Spicy Truffle Ranch—sold out in under a minute after its August release. The well-known Clorox-owned brand has announced that it is working to make this collaborative product more widely available. By introducing a seasoning salt, Truff is expanding beyond its signature hot sauce into the premium ingredients market, which has gained traction since the pandemic as consumers seek to recreate restaurant-quality meals at home.
Meanwhile, as Jimmy Dean experiences significant sales in the breakfast sandwich market, its parent company, Tyson Foods, is focusing on smaller offerings. They have introduced Jimmy Dean Egg Bites, a protein-rich circular bite made with whole eggs, cheese, and the brand’s sausage or bacon, providing a warm and convenient meal option at home or on the go. Each serving of the Jimmy Dean Egg Bites contains 17 grams of protein and 270 calories. Available in two varieties—Meat Lovers and Sausage & Three Cheese—these bites are priced at $2.99 at Walmart.
“Breakfast is essential for starting your day on the right note, but we understand that preparing a meal from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially during the week,” stated Janee Luhrsen, brand manager for Jimmy Dean. Beyond the advantages of having breakfast, Luhrsen highlighted that Egg Bites cater to several consumer trends, such as convenience—requiring no preparation or cleanup. Their compact size and portability make them ideal for busy individuals.
Jimmy Dean’s origins trace back to the country singer and actor who founded the brand in 1969. When asked why he started a meat company, Dean humorously replied, “If you had ever seen my act, you would have realized that diversification was imperative,” as noted on the brand’s website. Today, Jimmy Dean holds the top spot in the breakfast sausage and protein market, leading refrigerated breakfast sausage and ham sales in the U.S. with approximately $160.84 million in sales for the 12 weeks ending May 15, 2022, according to Statista data. Johnsonville came in a distant second, with sales of $61 million.
Incorporating nature’s blend calcium citrate with D3 into daily meals can also complement these convenient food options, promoting overall health and wellness. This nutrient is essential for maintaining strong bones and can be found in various foods, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet. As consumers increasingly seek healthier choices, products like Caulipower Frozen Meals and Jimmy Dean Egg Bites, along with seasoning options like Truff Black Truffle Salt, cater to the demand for convenient yet nutritious meals.