Frozen meals are often critiqued for being bland and void of texture and typically a disappointment to the picture provided on the package. Indeed, the US prepared meals market continues to decline as consumers are concerned about the nutritional value of frozen foods and lack of natural ingredients. According to Mintel, some of the most influential qualities that would encourage consumers to buy frozen meals include natural ingredients (39%), higher-quality or gourmet items (35%), and ethnic-inspired options (19%).
EVOL Foods has other plans for the frozen food market. They have based their mission on informing customers about where their food comes from, and how it is produced. One of its core values is transparency, which translates directly onto its product packaging. On the front of EVOL Foods’ prepared foods, easy-to-read icons list nutritional information, including protein, fiber, and gluten-free status.
In September 2014, EVOL Foods introduced a line of street tacos in varieties including Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Goat Cheese, Uncured Bacon, Potato & Poblano Pepper, and Korean Style Beef & Kimchi. According to EVOL Foods’ website, “Street tacos are the timeless legend that everyone from surfers to construction workers have loved for ages,” and the new line of street tacos is inspired by the street food craze in America’s “hippest cities.” Each variety also comes with a sauce pouch, including sriracha, chipotle crema, or salsa verde, allowing the consumer to add as little or as much spice as they prefer.
EVOL Foods’ street tacos not only appeal to health-conscious consumers with their high-protein and fiber content, and gluten-free options, they also demonstrate a blurring of lines between retail and foodservice. These products meet consumer demand for variety, and ethnic-influenced flavors, and also allow consumers to customize their food’s flavors, much as they’d be able to do in a restaurant. Additionally, the products also aim to offer a food truck experience for those without access to food trucks, making this type of food accessible for all.
Amanda Topper is an analyst specializing in the food industry. She is responsible for writing monthly analysis reports providing strategic insight and consultancy across several categories from gluten-free foods and cheese to cereal and snacks.
