# Ambient Meal Brands are launching shelf-stable and nutritious comfort food to suit consumer needs. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published May 21, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-meal ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Ambient Meal trend? **Ambient Meal:** Brands are launching packaged foods with extended shelf-life which are prioritized during COVID-19. Offered as meals that take cues from comfort foods, these products seek to bridge the gap between indulgence, without completely compromising the health-focused diet. ## The consumer insight behind the Ambient Meal trend As consumers are cautious about making too many trips to the grocery store amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now increasingly purchasing shelf-stable and non-perishable products. However, as many have worked hard to adapt to healthier lifestyle choices prior to virus-related concerns and since this category is traditionally notorious for lacking in nutritional value, a demand is created for ambient options that combine healthier recipes and convenience for safety's sake. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 16, 2020 to Jan 19, 2021 - Published: May 21, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Ambient Meal trend ### Shelf-Stable Nutritious Comfort Food The trend of launching packaged foods with extended shelf-life has created a demand for ambient options that combine healthier recipes and convenience for safety's sake. ### Plant-Based Ambient Foods The trend of plant-based ambient foods is based on classic comfort food, emphasizing nutritional value, convenience, and longer shelf-life. ### Digestion-Friendly Food Brands The trend of low FODMAP diet and specialized cooking essentials helps those with dietary restrictions enjoy flavorful and safe meals. ## What the Ambient Meal trend means for industry ### For Convenience Food The convenience food industry can explore the possibilities of healthier, long-lasting options that answer current needs. ### For Plant-Based Food The plant-based food industry could further develop nutritious and free-from additives options with an emphasis on comfort food flavors and textures. ### For Specialized Health Foods Companies specializing in health foods can expand their offerings to cater to strict dietary restrictions, with an emphasis on convenience and flavor. ## Workshop question How can your brand combine convenience and wellness to offer consumers peace of mind? ## Trend signals for Ambient Meal Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 46%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 56% - Activity: 46% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Ambient Meal trend 5 featured examples from Jan 16, 2020 to Jan 19, 2021. - [Veggie-Packed Rice Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rightrice-medley): RightRice Medley Combines Vegetable-Based Rice & Ancient Grains (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in the food and beverage industry can explore incorporating more vegetables and plant-based ingredients into their products, focusing on nutrient density and convenience. - [Plant-Based Ambient Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ambient-food): Fiid's Plant-Based Range of Goods is Rooted in Comfort Foods (Category: Marketing) Implication: The food industry can tap into the plant-based ambient foods trend to develop innovative products that cater to the growing demand for convenient and healthy meal options. - [Digestion-Friendly Food Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/low-fodmap-diet): Gourmend Foods Specializes in Low FODMAP Diet Cooking Essentials (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry has an opportunity to create and market products specifically tailored towards those with IBS or SIBO who follow the low FODMAP diet. - [Nutritionally Complete Savory Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nutritionally-complete-meal): Huel Hot & Savory is a Vegan Nutritionally Complete Meal (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore the development of more plant-based meal replacement options. - [Shelf-Stable Vegan Hummuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/odysea-houmous): Odysea Houmous is Being Launched in the UK as the First of its Kind (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for food and beverage companies to create clean-label vegan snacks with unique and bold flavors. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)