READY-MEAL. PROS AND CONS

Octavian Marian Traila, Timeea Alexandra Caragena, Luminița Cornelia Pîrvulescu, Diana Nicoleta Raba

Abstract


Consumer demand for ready-to-eat foods has been steadily increasing, primarily due to their perceived convenience, cost-effectiveness, visual appeal, and favorable sensory attributes such as taste and texture. This study is a comprehensive synthesis of scientific literature addressing both the supporting and opposing perspectives on the consumption of ready meals. The global ready-meal market keeps growing, mainly because more people live in cities, earn higher incomes, and lead busy lives that make quick and easy meals more appealing. Reviewed studies show that these products are not as healthy as home-cooked meals, but many people still choose them because they’re affordable and easy to prepare. Most ready-made meals tend to be high in salt, saturated fat, and calories, while they usually contain less fiber and fewer vegetables than home-cooked options. Nowadays it is registered a noticeable rise in interest in plant-based foods, mostly because people are becoming more concerned about their health and the environment.

Keywords


ready-meal; ready to eat food; nutritional properties; consumer perception

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References


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Copyright (c) 2026 Diana Nicoleta Raba, OCTAVIAN MARIAN TRAILA, CARLO MARIUS DRAGOMIR, TIMEEA ALEXANDRA CARAGENA, LUMINIȚA CORNELIA PÎRVULESCU, Diana Nicoleta Raba

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LUCRĂRI ȘTIINȚIFICE MANAGEMENT AGRICOL

ISSN print 1453-1410
ISSN online 2069-2307
(former ISSN 1453-1410, E-ISSN 2069-2307)

PUBLISHER: AGROPRINT Timisoara, Romania
PAPER ACCESS: Full text articles available for free
FREQUENCY: Annual
PUBLICATION LANGUAGE: English

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Banat`s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara
Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism
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