Conagra Brands has published its third annual Future of Frozen Food 2026 report, offering a data-driven look at how consumer preferences and eating habits are reshaping the U.S. frozen food industry, which reached an estimated $93.5 billion in annual sales. The report draws on advanced analytics from Conagra’s own Demand Science team, as well as partners including Circana, NielsenIQ’s Label Insight, and digital trend data.
According to the report, four major trends are defining the frozen food landscape for 2026:
1. Protein Takes Centre Stage
High-protein frozen foods now generate approximately $12 billion in annual sales and are experiencing double-digit volume growth as consumers seek nutrition, convenience, and value. This includes both animal- and plant-based protein offerings.
2. Restaurant-Style Flavors at Home
With the cost of dining out continuing to rise, “restaurant-inspired” frozen meals — including familiar chicken formats and global flavours — have become a significant segment, driving roughly $14.3 billion in annual sales.
3. Family-Style Meals and Budget Stretching
Multi-serve frozen meals, pizzas, and sides remain popular with families and multigenerational households. Large-format, value-size products now account for over 40 per cent of frozen-aisle sales, reflecting ongoing demand for affordable, shareable options.
4. All-Day Breakfast Evolution
Breakfast items are no longer confined to morning consumption. The report shows a growing trend of frozen breakfast foods being enjoyed throughout the day as quick meals or snacks, especially among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.
“Frozen food is no longer just about convenience,” said Bob Nolan, Senior Vice President of Demand Science at Conagra Brands. “As households grow more complex and budgets stay top of mind, frozen food delivers on quality, nutrition, and affordability in a big way.”
The Future of Frozen Food 2026 report highlights that frozen food is increasingly anchored in broader lifestyle trends — from health and protein preference to economic value and evolving meal occasions — positioning the category for continued relevance and innovation in the year ahead.
