Gone are the days when bowls were used only for soup or cereal. Popular in restaurants, in particular quick-service and ethnic operations, bowl meals are one of the hottest formats in the frozen retail space. They are convenient and allow for many varied ingredients to come together all in one place — the bowl.
There are bowls for every day part and special dietary needs. Some are hearty while others are more snack worthy. Flash freezing of the different components prior to assembly helps retain quality, but is not necessary, especially in casserole-style dishes. Most contain a seasoned meat or poultry component, allowing for appealing protein content claims.
“People are looking for delicious meals with key nutrients to help with their overall wellness and provide a good source of protein to stay fuller longer,” said Alan Brooks, senior brand manager for Healthy Choice, Conagra Brands Inc., Chicago.
