PREPARED MEAL DELIVERY MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

Prepared Meal Delivery Market Size and Forecast – 2025 to 2032

The Prepared Meal Delivery Market is estimated to be valued at USD 12.23 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 27.06 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0% from 2025 to 2032.

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Key Takeaways

• By Product Type, Ready to Eat Meals contributes the 42.1% share of the market owing to its Convenience & Fast Lifestyles.
• By End-User, Households contributes the 36.1% share of the market due to the Rising Disposable Income.
• By Delivery Frequency, Weekly subscription contributes the 36.1% share of the market because Cost Savings & Incentives.
• By Region, North America acquires the prominent market share of 40.4% in 2025 as Hectic Lifestyles & Dual-Income Households.

Market Overview

Convenience and preference for cooked meals delivered at doorsteps is driving the prepared meal delivery market growth over the forecast period. The prepared meal delivery market is expected to witness significant trends such as the rising popularity of organic and healthy meals options to cater to the evolving customer tastes. Major players in the market are investing heavily in R&D and product innovation to offer diverse cuisines and customization options like calorie controlled or allergen free dishes to expand further their target audience.

Current Events and Its Impact

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Role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the Prepared Meal Delivery Market

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is actively transforming the Prepared Meal Delivery Market by driving personalization, streamlining operations, and boosting customer engagement. AI algorithms assess consumer preferences, dietary needs, and past orders to deliver highly tailored meal recommendations, which enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. In logistics, AI improves delivery efficiency by optimizing routes, forecasting demand, and managing inventory, thereby minimizing food waste and ensuring prompt service. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide real-time support and simplify order processing, strengthening customer service.

In February 2025, Zomato introduced Nugget, an AI-powered customer support platform developed in-house to enhance its food delivery service, quick commerce arm Blinkit, and supply chain platform Hyperpure.

End-user Feedback and Unmet Needs in the Prepared Meal Delivery Market

• Affordability and Value-for-Money Gaps: Consumers often highlight the high cost of meal plans, particularly when used daily or for entire families. They expect larger portions, higher-quality ingredients, or extras like snacks and drinks to justify the price. Budget-minded buyers actively look for more flexible pricing structures or promotional discounts that still deliver on flavor and nutritional value.
• Sustainable Packaging and Waste Reduction: Eco-conscious consumers consistently demand more sustainable packaging solutions. Although companies have made some progress, they still include excessive plastic, non-recyclable trays, and disposable ice packs in many meal kits, adding to household waste. Customers actively seek biodegradable containers, reusable cooling elements, and streamlined packaging that reflects their commitment to minimizing environmental harm and food-related waste.
• Rigid Delivery Schedules and Tracking Issues: Many users consider fixed delivery slots inconvenient, particularly those with irregular work hours or who live in shared accommodations. They often experience frustration due to missed or delayed deliveries. Customers actively seek more control over delivery timing, requesting narrower time windows, real-time GPS tracking, and clearer communication to avoid spoilage or the risk of package theft.

Segmental Insights

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Prepared Meal Delivery Market Insights, by Product Type -  Ready to Eat Meals contribute the highest share of the market owing to the Growing Health & Wellness Focus

Ready to Eat Meals contributes the 42.1% share of the market owing to their unparalleled convenience. As lives get busier, people have less time to dedicate to meal preparation each day. Ready to eat meals eliminate all preparation time - they can simply be heated up and eaten straight from the packaging or container. This saves busy individuals valuable minutes every day that would otherwise be spent chopping, cooking, and cleaning up. The instant gratification and ease of ready to eat food meals have made them incredibly appealing to time-strapped consumers. Their single-serve and microwaveable formats suit lifestyles on the go. With ready to eat meals, eating healthy meals does not have to come at the cost of convenience. For instance, in April 2025, NEW YORK DDC Enterprise, Ltd., announced a legally binding agreement to form a joint venture (JV) with Hewen Agricultural Technology Limited, a premium prepared-meal producer. This partnership aims to scale the delivery of ready-to-eat (RTE) solutions for major e-commerce platforms, restaurant chains, and direct-to-consumer brands in Mainland China.

Prepared Meal Delivery Market Insights, by End-User -  Households contribute the highest share of the market owing to its Digitalization & E-commerce Growth

Households contribute the 36.1% share of the market due to the large family consumer base. While prepared meal delivery sees usage across all age groups, families with children at home especially value the value and quality these services provide. Daily responsibilities leave little time for cooking elaborate meals every night. Prepared meal delivery kits and services allow parents to feed their families home-cooked options with less stress and cleanup. They offer better nutrition and variety than takeout while saving time spent grocery shopping and cooking. Catering to diverse family tastes under one roof also contributes to household prepared meal delivery's success. As long as busy families see value, this end user segment will continue propelling market growth.

For instance, in December 2023, Blue Apron, a pioneer in the U.S. meal kit market, has expanded its ready-to-eat offerings by launching Prepared & Ready meals, now available for weekly delivery. By adding single-serving cooked meals to its traditional meal kits, the company gives customers more convenient and diverse home-style dining options.

Prepared Meal Delivery Market Insights, by Delivery Frequency -  Weekly Subscription Holds the Dominant share of the market owing to its Customizability & Flexibility

Weekly subscription contributes the 36.1% share of the market because it supports habit formation among users. Many people fall into regular rhythm of online grocery shopping and home-cooked meals on a weekly cycle. Prepared meal delivery services that replicate this natural weekly cadence make it very easy for consumers to form lasting habits. By delivering fresh ingredients and recipes suitable for an entire week in one delivery, these subscriptions streamline meal planning and cater to how busy lifestyles already operate. The consistent arrival of weekly boxes helps integrate prepared meals seamlessly into clients' routines. It also fosters loyalty and minimizes thoughts of canceling the subscription due to convenience. By pandering to consumer psychology and habits, weekly subscriptions have emerged as the most popular delivery frequency.

For instance, in May 2025, CookUnity launched its weekly and monthly plans for 100% chef-led premium meal delivery in Canada. Collaborating with A-list chefs, including Toronto’s Patrick Kriss and Hemant Bhagwani, the company delivers restaurant-quality meals directly to customers’ doorsteps, introducing a first-of-its-kind service in the country.

Regional Insights

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North America Prepared Meal Delivery Market Trends

North America dominates the overall prepared meal delivery market with a share of 40.4%. The prepared meal delivery market in North America is rapidly expanding as consumers shift their preferences and demand greater convenience. Busy urban populations and dual-income households increasingly choose ready-to-eat meals that offer both nutrition and time savings. As health awareness rises, consumers actively seek out low-calorie, plant-based, organic, and diet-specific options like vegan and keto meals. The growth of e-commerce and subscription-based models simplifies ordering and delivery, boosting customer loyalty. Additionally, businesses are prioritizing sustainability by adopting eco-friendly sourcing and packaging practices to meet evolving consumer expectations. For instance, in April 2023, Elior North America, a division of the French multinational Elior Group, expanded its product line by launching LiveWell with Traditions. This service provides personalized, home-delivered meals to members of Managed Care Organizations, Medicare Advantage Plans, and health plans for individuals with chronic conditions or post-acute discharge. It improves individual health while significantly reducing ER visits and hospital readmissions.

Asia Pacific Prepared Meal Delivery Market Trends

Consumers are increasingly demanding nutrient-dense, easy-to-prepare ready-to-eat (RTE) meals as they prioritize convenience and health. This trend is especially evident in urban areas, where busy schedules require quick yet nutritious lunch options. The rise of single-person households, particularly in countries like South Korea, is reshaping food consumption patterns. These individuals often seek fast meal solutions tailored to their dietary needs and personal tastes, driving the demand for personalized meal delivery services.

India Prepared Meal Delivery Market Trends

As consumers increasingly seek healthier meal options, they prefer meals that are low in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, and free from artificial additives. In response, producers are offering natural and organic products that cater to specific dietary needs such as vegetarianism, veganism, and gluten intolerance. The RTE food industry is also witnessing a growing trend toward innovation and product diversification. Manufacturers are introducing new flavors, cuisines, and meal options to appeal to India’s diverse consumer preferences and regional tastes. Additionally, they are embracing eco-friendly packaging, ethical ingredient sourcing, and sustainable production methods to meet rising demand for environmentally responsible RTE products.

Blinkit, the quick-commerce division of Indian food delivery company Zomato, has rolled out Bistro, a new app focused on delivering snacks, meals, and drinks within ten minutes.

United States Prepared Meal Delivery Market Trends

Consumers in the U.S. are driving rapid growth in the prepared meal delivery market as they seek convenience, healthier dining options, and gourmet variety. Busy lifestyles and dual-income households are increasingly turning to ready-to-eat and meal kit services. Demand continues to rise for organic, plant-based, and diet-specific meals, including gluten-free and ketogenic options. Companies are enhancing customer engagement and retention by offering customizable subscription plans and leveraging AI for personalized meal recommendations. Environmentally conscious consumers are also encouraging brands to adopt sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing practices, prompting firms to align their operations with growing sustainability expectations.

In May 2025, Extended Stay America®, an extended stay hotel brand in the U.S., partnered with Grubhub, a major food delivery service, to launch a new program providing exclusive perks for guests who order from local restaurants during their stay. Such initiatives are anticipated to proliferate the prepared meal delivery market revenue.

Market Report Scope

Prepared Meal Delivery Market Report Coverage

Prepared Meal Delivery Market Trend

Focus on Sustainability and Eco-friendly Packaging

Sustainability increasingly influences customers' choices for food delivery. Many consumers actively seek eco-friendly packaging options like recyclable materials, biodegradable containers, and reduced plastic use to minimize their environmental impact. Providers adopt green practices by reducing carbon emissions in logistics, cutting waste, and sourcing ingredients ethically. Younger, eco-conscious consumers especially appreciate these socially responsible efforts. Sustainable packaging innovations also help businesses differentiate themselves from competitors and comply with stricter regulations on waste management and plastic usage.

For instance, Zomato has launched the Plastic-Free Future Programme, a significant initiative aimed at transforming food packaging and delivery practices across India.

As part of this program, Zomato is supporting more than 200 restaurant brands across over 400 cities in their transition to environmentally friendly, plastic-free packaging solutions. On the Zomato app, these participating restaurants are identified by a distinctive ‘ℹ️’ icon, serving as a subtle yet impactful indicator that the meal ordered contributes to a more sustainable future.

Prepared Meal Delivery Market Opportunity

Sustainable Practices as a Market Differentiator

Companies can seize a key opportunity by adopting sustainability initiatives to attract environmentally conscious consumers and meet evolving regulations. They invest in biodegradable or reusable packaging, source ingredients ethically, and reduce waste across the supply chain. By communicating these efforts transparently, companies build trust and strengthen brand loyalty, especially among younger consumers who value social responsibility. Additionally, sustainability helps lower costs by optimizing resource use and cutting waste disposal expenses, creating both environmental and financial benefits.

Prepared Meal Delivery Market News

• In June 2025, BigBasket announced plans to enter India’s highly competitive quick commerce food sector by launching a nationwide 10-minute delivery service by the end of fiscal year 2026.
• In April 2025, Calo, a Middle Eastern food delivery company, expanded into the UK market by acquiring local prepared meal delivery brands like Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen.
• In February 2024, ButcherBox, a direct-to-consumer meat and seafood company, launched its ButcherBox For Pets line, which includes dog treats, dry food, and hip and joint supplements.
• In March 2022, Today, Metabolic Meals, a chef-made organic meal service dedicated to boosting metabolism, partnered with Lumen, a health technology business at the forefront of metabolic health. By offering customers the choice to have their customized nutrition plan, which is based on their breath measurement, delivered right to their door, Lumen is further leading the way in personalized nutrition.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• A sophisticated consumer base now drives a major shift in the prepared meal delivery market by demanding sustainability, customization, and health-conscious options alongside convenience. I believe businesses that fail to actively leverage AI and data analytics to personalize meals risk losing relevance and eventually exiting an increasingly competitive market.
• Companies can no longer treat sustainability as a niche concern—it has become a strategic necessity. Brands such as Purple Carrot and Daily Harvest are setting new standards by implementing 100% compostable packaging and sourcing ingredients ethically. These initiatives resonate powerfully with millennial and Gen Z consumers, who now make up over 70% of the prepared meal delivery market. Overlooking their values poses a serious risk to any brand’s relevance.
• Technology-driven operational efficiency stands out as a crucial differentiator. Businesses that use AI to streamline delivery logistics have cut delivery times by as much as 25%, directly enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing repeat orders. Blue Apron’s recent focus on last-mile delivery innovation highlights the competitive edge this approach provides.
• Ultimately, the market favors companies that integrate advanced technology, embrace sustainability, and deliver hyper-personalized experiences. Traditional meal providers that resist change will struggle to keep pace as consumer expectations surge, driven by digital transformation and rising environmental consciousness. This market leaves no room for complacency—it demands adaptability, foresight, and an authentic commitment to meeting modern consumer values.

Market Segmentation

• Product Type
  • Ready to Eat Meals
  • Ready to Cook Meals
  • Specialty Meals
  • Others
• End User
  • Households
  • Offices
  • Diet Specific
  • Others
• Delivery Frequency
  • Weekly subscription
  • Bi-weekly subscription
  • Monthly subscription
  • Others
• Region
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Company Profiles
  • Hello Fresh
  • Blue Apron
  • Home Chef
  • Marley Spoon
  • Sun Basket
  • Abel & Cole
  • Riverford
  • Gousto
  • Quitoque
  • Kochhaus
  • Middagsfrid
  • Allerhandebox
  • Chefmarket
  • Kochzauber
  • Fresh Fitness Food
  • Mindful Chef
  • Fresh N Lean
  • CookUnity
  • Pete's Real Food
  • Mosaic Foods

Sources

Primary Research interviews

• In-depth interviews with executives from leading prepared meal delivery companies (e.g., HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Freshly)
• Discussions with supply chain managers and food technologists
• Consumer surveys targeting urban and health-conscious demographics

Databases

• Statista
• Eurostat
• World Bank Open Data
• U.S. Census Bureau
• UN Comtrade Database

Magazines

• Food & Wine
• QSR Magazine
• Food Business News
• Packaging World
• Fast Company (for sustainability and innovation insights)

Journals

• Appetite (Elsevier)
• Journal of Foodservice Business Research
• British Food Journal
• International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science
• Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

Newspapers

• The New York Times (Food & Business sections)
• The Guardian
• The Wall Street Journal
• Financial Times
• USA Today (Lifestyle and Food sections)

Associations

• International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA)
• Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA)
• National Restaurant Association (NRA)
• Food Marketing Institute (FMI)
• Sustainable Packaging Coalition

Public Domain sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, and Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years