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# Five-Minute Pasta Meals
Three Bridges' Simple Dishes are Protein-Packed and Microwave-Ready

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-09-17 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simple-dishes
References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/media/photos/3994-new-on-the-shelves) & [threebridges](https://threebridges.com/simple-dishes/)

Three Bridges launched Simple Dishes as a four-piece collection of 12-ounce [pasta meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ms-food-collection) that can quickly be prepared in the microwave in a matter of minutes. The simple, microwaveable meal options feature pairings of pasta and meat in varieties like Chicken Primavera and Italian Sausage Ziti, which emphasize their [high protein content](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tangle-protein-pasta) and use of meat from animals raised without antibiotics. Three Bridges also purposefully developed its Simple Dishes to be low in salt and sugar and made with hormone-free cheeses.

These Simple Dishes have the potential to satisfy consumers who are seeking out [frozen meals with basic ingredient lists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proper-good-soups), as well as quick and easy lunch and dinner options with a focus on supporting better-for-you eating. While frozen meals used to be perceived as unhealthy meal choices, there are now countless options that are just as healthy as they are convenient.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.5/10
- Popularity: 4% | Activity: 34% | 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

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Protein-packed Microwave Meals:** Opportunity for companies to create microwaveable meals that are high in protein and use antibiotic-free meat.
- **Better-for-you Frozen Meals:** Potential for developing frozen meals with basic ingredient lists and low salt and sugar content.
- **Convenience Without Compromise:** Companies can capitalize on the demand for quick and easy meal options that prioritize health and wellness.

### Where This Applies

- **Frozen Food Industry:** Incentive for frozen food companies to innovate and offer healthier options for consumers.
- **Microwaveable Meal Industry:** Opportunity for companies to create a range of microwaveable meals with a focus on nutrition and convenience.
- **Better-for-you Food Industry:** Potential for companies to tap into the market of healthier food options that don't compromise convenience.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Clean Microwavable Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microwavable-meal-cups.md)
- [60-Second Pasta Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasta-roni-heat-eat.md)
- [Protein-Packed Quick-Serve Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perfect-servings-meals.md)
- [Convenient Protein-Packed Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/born-simple.md)
- [Convenient Steam-in-Bag Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birds-eye-steamfresh-meals.md)
- [Meta Italian Cuisine Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buitoni-raviolis.md)
- [Health-Focused Ready-To-Eat Pasta Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readytoeat-pasta-meals.md)
- [Heat-and-Eat Plant-Based Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchant-gourmet-meals-in-minutes.md)
- [Microwaveable Pasta Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readytoeat-line.md)
