# Standalone Meat Snacks The Great American Comfort Classics Line Comes in a "Heat and Eat" Format By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-02-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heat-and-eat References: [foodbusinessnews.net](http://www.foodbusinessnews.net/Resources/Slideshow/2016/12/Meat-snack-innovation/3.aspx?TipID=2) & [greatamericanbrands](http://www.greatamericanbrands.com/products/comfort-classics) Steak, meatballs and meatloaf are typically served alongside whole grains and vegetables, but [American Foods Group's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thousand-hills) heat-and-eat 'Great American Comfort Classics' line emphasizes that these meat products can stand alone. The Great American Comfort Classics collection is packaged in single-serve trays that offer small, protein-rich portions of beef. This is called out on the packaging by a large stamp that reads "PROTEIN," calling attention to the fact that these conveniently packaged meat snacks offer more than 20 grams of protein. The fully cooked heat-and-eat Teriyaki and Barbecue Meatballs, Salisbury Steak and Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze can be found in the freezer or refrigerated sections in stores. Meat-eating consumers who are looking for protein are now turning to meat snacks that some in portions that are just slightly smaller than one would eat for a full meal. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Standalone Meat Snacks:** Single-serve meat products marketed as protein-rich snacks create opportunities for disruptive retail packaging and snack offerings. - **Heat-and-eat Convenience Foods:** The rise of fully cooked, heat-and-eat meals presents opportunities for innovators to create new product lines and packaging solutions for busy consumers. - **Meat-based Snacking:** Consumers seeking healthier snack options are turning towards meat-based snacks as a protein-rich, satiating option, presenting opportunities for innovators to develop and market new snack products and flavors. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food Packaging:** Innovators and manufacturers in the food packaging industry can create new packaging and designs to market single-serve meat products as convenient, protein-rich snacks. - **Frozen Foods:** With the rise of heat-and-eat convenience foods, disruptive innovation is possible in the frozen foods industry with new product lines and packaging solutions to appeal to busy consumers. - **Meat Products:** Opportunities exist for companies in the meat products industry to develop and market new snack products and flavors to meet the demand for healthier, protein-rich snacking options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flavorful Flame-Broiled Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farm-rich-meatball.md) - [Meatless Ready-to-Heat Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ready-to-heat-meal.md) - [Savory Heat-and-Eat Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farm-rich-frozen-snacks.md) - [Protein-Packed Quick-Serve Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perfect-servings-meals.md) - [Bulk Protein Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-the-meatz.md) - [Grilled Cheese-Style Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grilled-cheesestyle-bites.md) - [All-Natural Heat-and-Eat Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jones-dairy-farm-meatballs.md) - [Single-Serve Grocer Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heatandeat-meals.md) - [High-Protein Chicken Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-good-foods-chicken-meatballs.md)