A 2023 report by Fortune Business Insights pegs the global frozen food market at USD 297.47 billion. The frozen food category is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.80% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 412.93 billion by 2030

Here’s a rundown of the types of foods that make up the frozen food category:

  1. Ready Meals:
    • Frozen ready meals are a significant part of the market. These include complete meals that just need to be heated before eating. Popular options range from traditional dishes to international cuisines, catering to diverse taste preferences.
  2. Vegetables and Fruits:
    • Frozen vegetables and fruits maintain much of their nutritional value, making them a popular choice. They offer out-of-season or exotic options year-round and are often used as a convenient, time-saving alternative to fresh produce.
  3. Meat and Poultry:
    • This category includes various types of meats and poultry that are frozen to preserve freshness. They range from whole cuts to processed forms like burgers and meatballs.
  4. Seafood:
    • The frozen seafood segment includes fish, shellfish, and other marine products. Freezing seafood shortly after harvest helps maintain its nutritional quality and flavor.
  5. Pizza:
    • Frozen pizza is a staple in many households, known for its convenience and variety. It ranges from basic cheese pizzas to gourmet options with exotic toppings.
  6. Bakery Products:
    • This includes bread, pastries, cakes, and other bakery items. The convenience of having bakery-quality products readily available at home drives their popularity.
  7. Snacks and Appetizers:
    • Frozen snacks, including finger foods, appetizers, and light bites, are popular for their ease of preparation. These range from traditional snacks to innovative and health-oriented options.
  8. Desserts and Ice Cream:
    • The frozen desserts segment includes a variety of cakes, pies, and other sweet treats. Ice cream and frozen yogurts are also major players in this category.
  9. Breakfast Foods:
    • Frozen breakfast foods include items like waffles, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos, offering a quick and easy option for the first meal of the day.
  10. Special Diet Foods:
    • With rising health consciousness, there’s a growing segment of frozen foods catering to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, low-calorie, vegan, or organic options.

Frozen products are distributed through various channels including supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, and online retail channels. Most all of the big food manufacturers are players in frozen foods including General Mills Inc., Nestlé, Unilever, McCain Foods Limited, Conagra Brands, Inc, Kellogg’s Company, Grupo Bimbo, and The Kraft Heinz Company.