5 New Packaged Foods on Shelves This Summer

CHICAGO — Although consumer demand for fresh, made-to-order offerings has jolted convenience stores into a new era of foodservice, packaged and frozen foods remain quick, convenient items to purchase for cooking at home.

Here are five new packaged foods hitting retailers this summer …

In July, Nissin Foods introduced the Top Ramen Bowl—a microwaveable bowl of ramen—at retailers nationwide in three flavors: Chicken, Shrimp and Soy Sauce. Weeks later, Nissin revealed its new Soupless Cup Noodles, which will arrive at retailers nationwide by the end of 2019. The noodle meal comes in a microwavable cup and heats within four minutes, giving consumers the chance to enjoy an authentic stir fry-style meal on the go, without extra preparation, the company said. Flavors include Korean BBQ, Teriyaki Beef and vegetarian friendly Sweet Chili.

The Kraft Heinz Co. has launched its new O, That’s Good! frozen skillet meals at retailers nationwide. These packaged kits include refrigerated soups, sides and frozen pizzas and are available for a suggested retail price of $6 per meal. Varieties are Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Margherita pizza, Southwest Style Chicken & Penne, Italian Sausage & Rigatoni, Garlic Chicken & Potatoes and the vegetarian-friendly Three Cheese Tortellini.

Packaged foods company Conagra Brands has expanded its line of Birds Eye frozen meals. It now includes Veggie Made Tray Bakes and Veggie Made Meals for One. The Tray Bakes are oven-ready meals that come in Chicken Alfredo Pasta and Three Cheese Ziti options. The Veggie Made Meals for One come in eight new bowl varieties, ranging from Garlic Chicken to Meatball Marinara With Vegetable Pasta.

Hormel Foods has debuted single-serve Natural Choice lunch meats at select retailers nationwide in four varieties: oven-roasted turkey, applewood smoked turkey, honey ham and cherrywood smoked ham. Each 2-ounce resealable pouch contains 9 to 10 grams of protein and is available for a suggested retail price of $1.29 to $1.49.

TNT Crust LLC, a manufacturer and distributor of pizza crusts, has introduced a line of better-for-you pizza crusts at retailers nationwide. Offerings include organic, gluten-free and various vegetable-based crusts.