# Ready-to-Cook Chilled Sandwiches The unearthed Croque Monsieur Can Be Air-Fried in Eight Minutes By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-10-17 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unearthed-croque-monsieur References: [compleatfood](https://www.compleatfood.com/2025/10/13/unearthed-launches-new-authentic-croque-monsieur-and-croque-fromage/)  Grocery store shelves are lined with fresh, ready-made sandwiches meant to be eaten cold, and the unearthed Croque Monsieur and Croque Fromage bridge the gap as [chilled sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-eat-sandwich) that are made to be enjoyed hot. “Our research shows a clear gap in the market for premium, convenient sandwich products to be enjoyed at home, beyond those available in food-to-go," said Carrie Hollis-Patel, Head of unearthed Marketing at [The Compleat Food Group](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unearthed-jumbo-churros), "Consumers know that venturing into the deli fixture often means discovering elevated quality and flavor." These French-style, [ready-to-cook sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flame-grilled-paninis) are convenient and quick to prepare, since they can be air-fried in about eight minutes or baked in the oven for up to 10. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 53% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Ready-to-cook Premium Sandwiches:** The trend towards ready-to-cook premium sandwiches highlights an opportunity for differentiating in a market saturated with cold, pre-made options. - **Quick-preparation Food Products:** The demand for quick-preparation food products is growing, as consumers seek convenient meals like air-fried sandwiches ready in minutes. - **Home-gourmet Convenience Foods:** Home-gourmet convenience foods are on the rise, appealing to consumers desiring high-quality deli experiences within their own kitchens. ### Who This Affects Most - **Air-fryer Appliances:** The air-fryer appliance industry is poised for growth with the increasing popularity of products tailored for rapid cooking using this device. - **Premium Deli Foods:** Premium deli foods are expanding beyond traditional offerings, appealing to consumers' desires for high-end, easy-to-prepare meal options. - **Frozen and Chilled Foods:** The chilled foods sector, blending the convenience of ready-made items with cook-at-home freshness, is transforming how consumers enjoy gourmet meals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Croissant-Shaped Clutch Bag Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/croissant-clutch.md) - [Flavor-Packed Ready-to-Eat Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juicybite.md) - [Parisian Apple Jam Pastries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-jam-mont-blanc.md) - [Luxury Designer Airport Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-vuitton-cafe.md) - [Gas Station Meal Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chongdongwon-convenient-meal-series.md) - [Ready-to-Eat Crustless Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunchables-pbj.md) - [Celebrity Chef Retailer Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guy-fieris-flavortown-and-circle-k.md) - [Croissant-Style Bakery Breads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/croissant-toast.md) - [Mustard-Infused Wines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-moutarde-vin.md)