Five years ago, 8.1% of Australians over the age of 14 said they had eaten a frozen or chilled ready-prepared. This number that has since risen to 9.4%—an increase of around 373,000 people.
This increase is especially marked among Australians who say they don’t have time to cook, and those who are watching their weight.
“Frozen and chilled ready-made meals represent a convenient short-cut for busy Australians who don’t have time to cook their own meals every night,” explained Roy Morgan’s Angela Smith.
“With supermarkets stocking a an ever-increasing range of pre-prepared options such as lasagne, risotto, gourmet soups and curries, it’s easier than ever to bypass fast food and eat healthily even when pressed for time.
“Many of these frozen/chilled meals are nutritionally balanced and low in calories, so they also make life easier for people watching their weight.”
Suburban, career-driven Australians with families are 50% more likely to eat ready meals in an average week, Smith added.
”Often paying big mortgages on large homes, [this group needs] to keep the weekly grocery budget in check, but will gladly pay a bit extra if it saves time in the kitchen after a full day in the office.”