Frozen Finds New Growth Drivers

Conagra’s 2026 report spotlights protein, takeout-style convenience, family-size value and all-day breakfast as forces reshaping the $93.5B aisle

Conagra Brands' “Future of Frozen Food” 2026 — Credit: Conagra Brands

Protein-packed meals, restaurant-inspired favorites, family-style solutions, and all-day breakfast are among the key forces driving growth in the U.S. frozen food aisle, according to Conagra Brands' third annual “Future of Frozen Food” 2026 report. This data-driven report reveals how consumer behaviors, generational preferences, and innovations are reshaping the $93.5 billion U.S. frozen food market¹.

Conagra's Demand Science team developed this year's report using insights from Circana, NielsenIQ's Label Insight technology, social media trends from Tastewise, and search data from Similarweb. Together, these sources highlight four transformative trends shaping the future of the frozen food department, along with broader insights into how and when consumers are eating frozen foods.

"Frozen food is no longer just about convenience, it's about meeting consumers wherever and however they're eating," 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."

2026 Emerging Trends:

While Conagra Brands is a leader in the U.S. frozen food marketplace, the data and trends identified reflect the broader U.S. frozen food industry:

The Power of Protein: Protein remains the most influential nutrition attribute across the store, and frozen food leads the way². High-protein frozen foods generate $12 billion annually and are growing at double-digit volume rates³. From chicken and turkey-based meals to plant-based proteins like edamame and protein-forward desserts, frozen delivers across meals, snacks and indulgent occasions. With frozen meals averaging high levels of protein per serving in the store, consumers increasingly rely on the freezer to meet daily protein needs with ease⁴.

Restaurant Cravings, Frozen Convenience: As the cost of dining out continues to climb, consumers are recreating restaurant experiences at home. "Takeout-style" frozen foods now total $14.3 billion in annual sales, driven by iconic chicken formats, global flavors and shareable snacks⁵. Younger generations and families are leading this shift, turning to frozen for restaurant-quality taste, convenience and value, especially during social moments like game days and gatherings⁶.

Serving Up Connection—Together at the Table: With more meals being shared at home, frozen food is fueling a return to family-style dining. Multi-serve meals, pizzas, and frozen sides represent roughly $12 billion in sales and continue to grow as multigenerational households and families seek affordable ways to feed everyone⁷. Value-size frozen products now account for more than 40% of frozen aisle sales, helping consumers stretch budgets while supporting shared meals and crowd-pleasing occasions⁸.

Rise and Dine—The Breakfast Evolution: Breakfast is no longer confined to the morning, and frozen is driving its expansion. Frozen breakfast occasions are growing faster than the total category, as consumers enjoy breakfast items throughout the day as meals or snacks⁹. High-protein, ready-to-heat formats like handhelds, bowls and breakfast sausage are gaining momentum, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, who prioritize convenience, nutrition and flexibility at any hour¹⁰.

The full report can be viewed here: Conagra Brands' Future of Frozen Food 2026 Report

Sources:

Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Frozen Department, Dollar Sales, 52WE September 21, 2025
Circana, National Eating Trends®, Sourced from Home/Retail, % of Respondents Trying to Get More, YE August 2025, not including "Vegetables" or "Hydration" as nutrients
Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Frozen Department, 52WE October 19, 2025 NIQ Product Explorer, Powered by Label Insight Contains High Protein attribute
Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Frozen department and Shelf Stable & Refrigerated categories. Dollar Sales Weighted Average Grams of Protein per Serving, 52WE September 21, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Frozen Department, Dollar Sales, 52WE October 19, 2025
Circana, LLC, Scan Panel, Total US - All Outlets, HH Generations and HH Life Stage, % Change Dollar Sales vs Dollar Sales Year Ago, 52WE October 5, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Frozen Subcategories as defined as "Shareable Mains" (including Fz Pizza, Multi Serve Fz Dinners/Entrees, Fz Side Dishes, Fz Pot Pies), Dollar Sales, CAGR % Change Dollar Sales vs Dollar Sales 3 Years Ago, Share of Dollars within Total Frozen Department, 52WE September 21, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Frozen Multi Pack / Multi Serve, Frozen Large Format Dollar Sales, Share of Total Frozen Dollar Sales, 52WE September 21, 2025
Circana, National Eating Trends®, Sourced from Home/Retail, Frozen Food Summary x Occasions, YE August 2025
Circana, National Eating Trends®, Sourced from Home/Retail, Trended Frozen Breakfast Food Occasions, YE September 2025