# Drain-Free Pouch-Packaged Beans These Merchant Gourmet Products are Ready to Eat or Heat By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2024-10-31 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-product References: [foodbev](https://www.foodbev.com/news/merchant-gourmet-boosts-convenience-with-new-drain-free-beans-pouches) & [merchant-gourmet](https://www.merchant-gourmet.com)  These [Merchant Gourmet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-meals-in-minutes) products from the UK-based pulses and grains brand are being launched with convenience in mind to provide consumers with a decidedly simple option to incorporate into their regime. The range includes three pouch-packaged products that are each to be eaten straight out of the pack or heated in the microwave thanks to their drain-free format that doesn't have any excess liquid. The products come in the Jumbo Chickpea, 5 Bean Medley and Smoky Black Turtle Bean options to choose from that are available now at [Sainsbury's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-this-products) and [Ocado](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tilda-tasty-sides) with Waistrose receiving stock starting November 11, 2024. MD Richard Peake spoke on the new Merchant Gourmet products saying, "We’ve seen a convergence of three trends leading to an explosion of interest in the beans and pulses category: the movement towards plant-based, the continued education on the downsides of ultra-processed food, and gut health becoming a real focus. So, consumers are hunting for minimally processed, high-protein and high-fibre foods. And of course, we wanted to add a little Merchant Gourmet magic to make the humble bean even better tasting and even more versatile.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 30% - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Minimal-processing Foods:** Consumers are increasingly demanding minimally processed foods that align with health-conscious diets. - **Drain-free Packaging:** Innovative drain-free packaging provides added convenience by eliminating excess liquid and simplifying meal preparation. - **Microwave-ready Meals:** Microwave-ready meals offer a quick and easy solution for busy individuals looking for nutritious options. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Plant-based Foods:** The plant-based foods industry is capitalizing on the growing trend of consumers seeking healthier and sustainable alternatives. - **Packaged Foods:** Packaged foods are evolving with new technologies like drain-free options to enhance consumer convenience and efficiency. - **Functional Foods:** Functional foods are gaining traction as more consumers prioritize gut health and nutritional benefits in their diet choices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heat-and-Eat Plant-Based Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-meals-in-minutes.md) - [Frozen Grab-and-Cook Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-veg-grains-pouches.md) - [Pouch-Packaged Supergrain Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supergrain-bowls.md) - [Easy-to-Prepare Grain Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-black-dhal-pouches.md) - [High-Quality Microwaveable Rice Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-rice-pouches.md) - [Canned Plant-Based Bean Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bean-meals.md) - [Bean-Based Meal Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meal-pouches.md) - [Organic Canned Bean Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realfoods-by-organico.md) - [Minimally Processed Bean Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balanced-bushels-beans-and-pulses.md)