Kroger and Home Chef Target Restaurant Market Share with Expanded Ready to Eat Meal Program

Key points

• Kroger and Home Chef are expanding ready to eat meals in fresh deli sections to offer affordable alternatives to restaurant takeout.
• The initiative targets busy shoppers and younger demographics who prefer minimal prep time and flexible online delivery options.
• Prepared foods yield higher profit margins for grocers while challenging fast casual restaurant operators on pricing and convenience.
• Centralized distribution and modified atmosphere packaging enable longer shelf life and consistent product quality across stores.

This report is part of Foodie Pundit premium coverage. Foodie Pundit members read the full story. See membership.

Sources and methodology

Reported from the public datasets below.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Consumer Price Index, food away from home
• Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) - Food services and drinking places series
• U.S. Census Bureau - Monthly Retail Trade, food services

All sources Foodie Pundit reports from

More from the Foodie Pundit Newsroom

• Viral Five-Ingredient Sandwich Highlights Growing Demand for Minimalist Home Cooking
• Is Japanese Sizzling Plate Giant Pepper Lunch Coming to Florida?
• How TikTok Five Ingredient Sandwich Trends Are Reshaping Grocery Aisles and Fast Casual Dining
• Tom Colicchio Expands Into Fast Casual Segment to Deliver Chef Quality Meals at Scale
• Grocery Price Tracking Reveals Key Food Staples Offering Consumer Relief