# Easy-to-Prepare Grain Products The Merchant Gourmet Black Dhal Pouches Have More Than 20 Spices By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2023-10-18 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-black-dhal-pouches References: [foodbev](https://www.foodbev.com/news/merchant-gourmet-extends-pulses-and-grains-offering/) & [merchant-gourmet](https://www.merchant-gourmet.com)  The [Merchant](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-meals-in-minutes) Gourmet Black Dhal pouches are a new addition to the brand's pulses and grains product portfolio to provide consumers with an authentic, high-quality option that doesn't skimp on convenience. The product is crafted with black lentils, coconut cream and a blend of more than 20 herbs and spices to achieve the signature flavor of the dish. The product is [pouch packaged](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meal-pouches) to allow for preparation in the microwave in just 45-seconds to make it perfect for enjoyment in a pinch. The product is launching in the UK for £2.20. Managing Director Richard Peake spoke on the Merchant Gourmet Black Dhal pouches saying, "With more and more people choosing to eat at home, we wanted to give shoppers an option for a high-quality, convenient “fake-away” that doesn’t compromise on taste or health. Our creamy Black Dhal is perfect for foodies with busy lives, looking for quick, easy and exciting meals that deliver on flavour." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 18% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Convenient Meal Solutions:** The rise of easy-to-prepare grain products like Merchant Gourmet Black Dhal pouches offers consumers a convenient option for flavorful meals at home. - **Authentic Flavor Experiences:** The use of over 20 herbs and spices in products like Merchant Gourmet Black Dhal pouches provides consumers with an authentic and flavorful dining experience in just 45 seconds. - **Health-conscious Food Choices:** The availability of high-quality, ready-to-eat grain products like Merchant Gourmet Black Dhal pouches satisfies the growing demand for healthy and quick meal options. ### Where This Applies - **Food & Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can tap into the trend of convenient meal solutions by offering more ready-to-eat grain products with bold and authentic flavors. - **Grocery & Retail:** Grocery and retail stores have an opportunity to cater to health-conscious consumers by stocking a variety of easy-to-prepare grain products that combine convenience with nutritional value. - **Microwave Technology:** The microwave technology industry can capitalize on the demand for quick and hassle-free meal preparation by developing innovative microwavable packaging solutions for grain products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heat-and-Eat Prepackaged Dals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicebox-black-dal.md) - [Chef-Approved Pouch-Packaged Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-pouch-range.md) - [Drain-Free Pouch-Packaged Beans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-product.md) - [High-Quality Microwaveable Rice Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-rice-pouches.md) - [Frozen Grab-and-Cook Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-veg-grains-pouches.md) - [Heat-and-Eat Plant-Based Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-meals-in-minutes.md) - [Pouch-Packaged Supergrain Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supergrain-bowls.md) - [Instant Lentil Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lentil-meals.md) - [Ready-Made Curry Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/convenient-meals.md)