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Comfort food goes wholesome
When consumers are looking for options that align with their New Year’s resolutions, many comfort foods may not be included—unless they’re made with wholesome ingredients.
December 17, 2019
2 Min Read
Sponsored by Blount Fine Foods
It’s as much of a tradition as anything else this time of year: When the date flips from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, celebratory indulgence gives way to earnest resolutions for many consumers.
Despite the weather and season being the same, the shift is rather immediate, even though winter calls for comfort foods. Because the first month of the year is often dreary and cold, consumers crave foods that can make them feel good—without making them feel guilty.
According to Technomic’s Consumer Brand Metrics, consumers identify “comfort food” as a top descriptor for communicating craveability, and more than half—56%—say “comfort food” best describes the food they typically crave. Comfort foods are all about delivering satisfying taste, but when consumers are looking for options that align with their New Year’s resolutions, many comfort foods may not be included—unless they’re made with wholesome ingredients.
Premium prepared foods as well as heat-and-eat meals are solutions at the intersection of craveability, wholesomeness and convenience. In grocery stores, busy shoppers often turn to the deli and prepared foods department to help them plan for quick weeknight meals. Being able to find comfort foods made with clean, wholesome ingredients is the perfect way for consumers to indulge comfort-food cravings without veering off-track from their goals.
Consumers who may not have time to prepare the dishes they’re craving can pick up Blount’s Family Kitchen meals for weeknight dinners, lunches or snacks. These ready-to-heat meals are available in varieties such as Chicken with Noodles in Marsala Wine Sauce; Macaroni and Beef in Tomato Sauce; Beef Stroganoff with Noodles; and Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo with Penne.
While those options certainly fit the bill for comfort, they’re also made with high-quality, wholesome ingredients that consumers can feel good about eating. For instance, Chicken with Noodles in Marsala Wine Sauce is made with tender chicken raised without antibiotics, while Macaroni and Beef in Tomato Sauce features wholesome ingredients such as ground beef and chunky tomato sauce.
By offering consumers meals that are made with high-quality ingredients, grocers can draw in convenience seekers, comfort-food cravers and those striving to adhere to their New Year’s resolutions, all with the same great products. Consumers have more choices than ever when it comes to what they eat and offering foods with wholesome ingredients such as antibiotic-free chicken, real cheese and more is the perfect way to keep their cravings—and dietary needs—covered.
To learn more about Blount’s Family Kitchen ready-to-heat meals, visit www.blountfinefoods.com/bfk.
