Where are the gaps in grocers’ prepared food offerings?

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Grocery Dive
Published: October 12, 2026
Source: Read at Grocery Dive
Category: Food Access

A quarter of surveyed shoppers said their grocer's prepared foods section lacks variety, especially in health-focused products and global cuisines, FMI found. Shoppers requested more chicken preparations, Italian foods, Korean dishes, Indian curries and samosas, plus vegetable-forward, high-protein, vegetarian, vegan and plant-based meals. FMI suggested using formats such as bowls and wraps to introduce global flavors. Thirty-seven percent of shoppers who enter a grocery store for prepared foods go on to buy additional items, and half of deli-prepared customers usually have a prepared food item already in mind.

Why this matters: Independent grocers can use prepared foods to meet demand for healthier and globally inspired meals while giving shoppers more reasons to buy additional items during the same trip. Consistent signature dishes could help a store stand out, according to FMI.

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