Frozen meal meltdownFrozen meal meltdown

Frozen meal manufacturers have plenty of work ahead. Often associated with high sodium content and lackluster flavor, sales for the category continued to slip last year down 8 percent to $8.1 billion according to Mintel. The market research firm anticipates continued decline through 2017 as more consumers increase restaurant spending or maintain established cooking regimens with higher-quality ingredients. To draw consumers back, the category requires a complete image overhaul, from food one resorts to for convenience to a true pleasure experience. Natural brands are stepping up their offerings with more gourmet flavors and healthier, trendier ingredients such as kale and quinoa. They're are also shaking up frozen meal presentation with less-processed looking one-dish meals and even steamable pouches that shoppers plate themselves. At this point, future traction will require thinking outside the carton.

See how brands are spicing up sales with global flavors