Ready-Made Macaroni Meals

Annie’s Oven-baked Mac & Cheese Cuts Down on Prep Time for a Quick Meal

In an attempt to help consumers solve the classic dinnertime conundrum, General Mills has launched prepared meals – like Annie’s Oven-Baked Mac & Cheese and Betty Crocker Sheet Pan Dinner Starter Kits – that help cut down on prep time.

Designed to be the perfect sidekick to any summer main, General Mills has launched a whole slew of quick-to-prepare products. For instance, the new Annie’s Oven-Baked Mac & Cheese combines organic pasta with cheese and breadcrumbs for a side dish that requires little preparation. On the other hand, the new Pillsbury Corn Dog Wraps simply need to be popped in the oven, making for a quick, kid-friendly meal solution. As Doug Martin, Chief Brand Officer at General Mills explains, "As we continue to evolve our brands, it’s critical that our innovation efforts consistently reflect and support the busy, everyday lives of families. I’m excited that this lineup of products does just that, offering bold, accessible solutions for consumers—no matter the occasion."

Image Credit: General Mills

Prepared Meal Kits
General Mills has launched a range of prepared meal kits that offer consumers a quick and convenient meal solution.
Quick Side Dishes
General Mills has introduced quick-to-prepare products, such as Annie's Oven-Baked Mac & Cheese, that require little preparation and can be served as a side dish.
Convenience Meals
General Mills' new lineup of convenient meal solutions reflects the busy, everyday lives of families and offers bold, accessible solutions for any meal occasion.

Who This Affects Most

Food and Beverage
The food and beverage industry can leverage the demand for convenient meal solutions by innovating and creating more prepared meal kits and quick side dishes.
Consumer Goods
Consumer goods companies can create products that cater to busy families, offering convenience and accessibility in their meal solutions.
Retail
Retailers can capitalize on the trend of prepared meal kits and convenience meals by stocking a wide variety of products that cater to different preferences and dietary needs.
SCORE
3.6 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 22%
Activity 72%
Freshness 13%