KANSAS CITY — Convenient dinner options are gaining popularity as consumers look to cut down on cooking and preparation times, according to new research from Circana.

The market insights company found dinner products with applications in air fryers and microwaves have increased notably in annual dinner occasions per capita since 2020, with “heat and eat” dinner products up 12 annual occasions per capita over the same period.

Manufacturers like Conagra Brands, Inc. are increasing their attention on frozen meal options as a result and launching new products for microwaves and air fryers. The company recently expanded its Healthy Choice portfolio with four new better-for-you microwavable meals inspired by restaurant trends. The offerings include chicken marinara with orzo pasta and seasoned broccoli, salsa verde chicken with brown rice and black beans, lemon parmesan chicken with a blend of grains and seasoned vegetables, and balsamic garlic steak with green beans and garlic mashed potatoes.

Additionally, Conagra continued its restaurant-inspired innovation with four new products for its Evol brand: hot honey chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned brussels sprouts; garlic herb steak with tri-cut potatoes and seasoned broccoli; chicken adobo with cilantro rice and elote-style corn; and homestyle meatballs and orzo with seasoned green beans.

Organic prepared food brand Amy’s Kitchen debuted two high-protein microwavable meals. The company’s Italian-inspired penne with mushrooms and spinach bowl features organic penne, spinach and sliced mushrooms, a three-cheese blend of Parmesan, Monterey jack and aged white cheddar, and 16 grams of protein. Amy’s Mole enchiladas, formulated as a vegetarian alternative to the traditional Mexican dish, combine vegetables, Monterey jack cheese, cheddar cheese and 22 grams of protein. The entree also includes a mole that contains chilies, spices and chocolate.

“Our penne with mushrooms and spinach bowl and Mole enchiladas showcase how we will push culinary boundaries in 2024 and beyond with delicious organic meal options that are cooked from scratch,” said said Fred Scarpulla, chief culinary officer at Amy's Kitchen.

Mars, Inc.’s Food & Nutrition business unit unveiled a line of innovations under its Ben’s Original brand. Ben’s Original Street Food products offer globally inspired flavors in a convenient, microwavable format, with varieties such as: Jamaican jerk-style red beans and rice with chicken; gumbo with chicken andouille sausage; fried rice with vegetables; and a bean and rice burrito bowl.

"With Ben's Original Street Food, we are offering delicious meals that suit their fast-paced lifestyles,” said Angie Madigan, vice president of marketing at Mars Food & Nutrition North America. “This innovation puts Ben's Original at the heart of the plate, not just the side. We are increasing our presence at retail stores."