Off The Wall and The State of Prepared Foods in 2025

Gelson's - Calabasas, CA - by Off The Wall

As prices continue to increase along with double-income households, the number of people relying on prepared foods is also rising. Nearly half of consumers report relying on food service daily to manage their packed schedules — and almost half also report eating on the run (source: Technomic, Ignite Consumer Report 2024).

McCaffrey's Food Market - West Windsor, NJ - by Off The Wall

In 2025, Off The Wall will continue to work with supermarkets as their prepared foods departments are transformed, driven by consumer demand for health-conscious, convenient, and culturally diverse options. Here are articles from around the Web describing this phenomenon:

Health and Functional Ingredients

Consumers are increasingly seeking foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This has led to a rise in functional ingredients such as probiotics, adaptogenic mushrooms (e.g., Lion's Mane and Chaga), and natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. These ingredients are being incorporated into ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages, catering to those interested in cognitive health, stress management, and overall well-being

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Kosher Hive - Airmont, NY - by Off The Wall

Global Flavors and Bold Spices

Supermarkets are expanding their offerings to include a variety of global cuisines. Asian flavors like gochujang, kimchi, and yuzu are becoming more prevalent, reflecting a broader interest in authentic and bold taste experiences. Additionally, there's a growing preference for complex chili profiles and fermented foods, which are being integrated into prepared meals and snacks

Here is more on these trends.

Whole Foods - Temescal, CA - by Off The Wall

Sustainability and Clean Labels

Environmental concerns influence purchasing decisions, with consumers gravitating towards sustainably sourced and minimally processed products. This is reflected in the designs and materials Off The Wall uses in perimeter decor as retailers respond by eliminating artificial ingredients from their private-label products and focusing on clean-label offerings that align with health-conscious and eco-aware shoppers

Here's an article on this.

Season's - Tom's River, NJ - by Off The Wall

Convenience and Technology Integration

The demand for convenience continues to drive innovation in the prepared foods market. Supermarkets are enhancing their grab-and-go sections with premium options like sushi, bento boxes, and international snacks. Moreover, advancements in innovative packaging, such as battery-free, stretchable, and autonomous systems, are being explored to monitor freshness and extend shelf life, ensuring food safety and reducing waste.

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SuperOne - Grand Rapids, MN - by Off The Wall

Consumers can look forward to a dynamic shift towards health, sustainability, and global culinary exploration, with technology playing a pivotal role in meeting consumer expectations. Designs conceived by Off The Wall and by some of their clients reflect the contours of this new prepared foods landscape in 2025 and 2026.