All-day frozen breakfast drives innovation, Conagra report finds

Conagra Brands says protein-packed meals, all-day breakfast, restaurant-inspired favorites and family-style solutions are shaping frozen food demand in 2026 — trends that also matter for workplace micro markets, vending and other away-from-home foodservice.

In a recent “Food For Thought” podcast with our sister brand, FoodProcessing.com, Alie Burnet, Conagra’s director of enterprise and portfolio strategy, said foodservice traffic remains pressured as consumers watch budgets. She noted that dining out is about four times as expensive as an average retail meal, pushing shoppers to seek budget-friendly restaurant-style flavors — a dynamic that can translate into grab-and-go frozen bowls, snacks and shareables in break rooms.

Conagra’s third annual “Future of Frozen Food 2026” report says the U.S. frozen market sits at $93.5 billion and points to growth in “takeout-style” frozen foods, which total $14.3 billion in annual sales. Expanding demand for high protein frozen offerings and breakfast items are driving a meaningful share of category volume. Breakfast foods in particular are pushing beyond mornings, a potential fit for all-day, heat-and-eat programs in away-from-home locations.

Get the full story on FoodProcessing.com.