February 18/Rockville, Md./Press Release -- Breakfast is regarded as the most important meal of the day, and for food retailers and marketers, this widespread emphasis on the morning meal will spur the packaged breakfast baked goods market -- which includes bagels, donuts, croissants and English muffins -- to sales of $5 billion in 2017, according to "Packaged Breakfast Baked Goods: U.S. Market Trends," a report by Packaged Facts.  Health concerns and a desire for convenience and portability are among the driving forces influencing new product offerings in this market segment.

English muffin and bagel sweet baked goods manufacturers have responded for years to consumer demand for healthier fare with products that are more nutritious. Products have been formulated to reduce sodium, sugar and fat, be more natural, organic, gluten-free, and deliver higher levels of fiber, among other nutritional concerns that are similar to trends related to packaged breads. Whole wheat, whole grain and multi-grain products, particularly bagels and English muffins, are filling shelves, and manufacturers continue to use ingredients that both deliver benefits many consumers have to come expect, and help differentiate one brand from another. In regards to both sweet and non-sweet breakfast baked goods, manufacturers have addressed health and nutrition concerns by eliminating high fructose corn syrup and trans fats, and introducing  portion control products such as 100-calorie single serve snack packs, notes Packaged Facts research director David Sprinkle.

Busy consumers, especially Millennials, desire convenience with foods that are easy and fast to eat or can be eaten on the go. More convenient products are especially important for breakfast since many people eat on the run, in the car, or in the office. Manufacturers have responded for quite some time with single packs, minis and bite-size products and other items to make breakfast easier. They are trying to compete with breakfast and nutritional bars, handheld breakfast sandwiches, and other portable options.