# Freeze-Dried Meal Bowls Kencko's Ready-to-Heat Bowls Help to Reduce Food Waste By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2022-01-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ready-to-heat-bowl References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/20528-plant-based-nutrition-startup-raises-10-million) & [kencko](https://www.kencko.com/)  After launching [blender-free smoothie mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pre-topped-smoothie-bowl) and gumdrops that are packed with fruits and veggies, [Kencko](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-plantbased-meals) is now venturing into the creation of [ready-to-heat bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/better-bowls) that leverage the same freeze-dried technology. The direct-to-consumer plant-based nutrition brand sets itself apart by freeze-drying produce shortly after it is harvested so that it retains optimal nutritional profiles and helps to reduce food waste. The company estimates it helped members avoid discarding about 660 tons of fresh produce last year and Kencko is on its way to being completely carbon neutral as of 2022. These quick bowls from the brand are ready to enjoy with the addition of water and they help to take the stress out of busy days, all the while ensuring that customers are nourished with meals developed by registered dietitians, food scientists and chefs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 11% - 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 - **Freeze-dried Meal Technology:** There is a growing demand for frozen-dried meal technology as it helps to retain optimal nutritional profiles, reduce food waste and make meal preparation quicker and easier. - **Plant-based Meal Solutions:** Plant-based nutrition brands are gaining more popularity as a healthier and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional meal options and will continue to grow as consumers become more health-conscious. - **Direct-to-consumer Food Products:** As more consumers seek healthier, convenient and personalized food options, direct-to-consumer food brands have disrupted traditional retail channels and gained significant market share. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food Technology:** Companies that leverage freeze-dried meal technology can gain a competitive advantage by offering meal solutions that are healthier, easier to prepare and have a longer shelf life. - **Plant-based Food Products:** Plant-based nutrition brands are disrupting traditional meat-and-dairy-based food products, resulting in a growing demand for innovative and eco-friendly plant-based alternatives. - **Direct-to-consumer Food Brands:** The direct-to-consumer model has disrupted traditional retail channels, giving companies the opportunity to offer personalized, healthier and more convenient food options while retaining better control of their brand identity and customer data. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Instant Plant-Based Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-plantbased-meals.md) - [Convenient Frozen Entrée Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-entre-bowls.md) - [Ready-to-Eat Vegan Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readytoeat-vegan-meal.md) - [Frozen-to-Fresh Poke Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-poke-bowl.md) - [Ready-to-Heat Lunch Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunch-bowls.md) - [Plant-Based Protein Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-powered-meal-bowls.md) - [Frozen Grab-and-Cook Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-veg-grains-pouches.md) - [Free-From Frozen Bowl Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bettr-bowl.md) - [Globally Inspired Microwavable Lunches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonduelle-lunch-bowls.md)