New analysis by UK online pharmacy Curely1 found purchases of canned pasta increased from 8.6g to 10.9g per person per week, representing a 26.5% year-on-year rise.
Although canned pasta remains the smallest category by overall weight, it recorded the largest percentage increase in the dataset. The government estimate carries a high level of statistical uncertainty and should therefore be treated as an emerging indication rather than a definitive shift.
However, online interest suggests canned pasta is also attracting renewed consumer attention. Search analysis by Curely found searches for “canned pasta” reached 58,000 last month, increasing by 40% over the past year.
The findings suggest the nostalgic cupboard staple is finding a new audience as households look for affordable, convenient meals that can be prepared in minutes and stored for longer.
Sobia Qasim, Superintendent Pharmacist at Curely, says ready meals have changed significantly over the past decade and shoppers should focus on nutritional quality rather than assuming all convenience meals are unhealthy.
A well-balanced ready meal can actually make it easier to eat enough protein and other essential nutrients without having to prepare a full meal from scratch
"Ready meals have long had a reputation for being unhealthy, but that's no longer true across the board. For people taking weight loss medication, who often have a much smaller appetite, a well-balanced ready meal can actually make it easier to eat enough protein and other essential nutrients without having to prepare a full meal from scratch.
Rather than judging a meal simply because it's pre-prepared, it's far more important to turn the packet over and check the nutrition information. Prioritise meals that are high in protein, contain vegetables and are lower in saturated fat and added salt."
While cooking from scratch remains ideal where possible, Sobia says convenience should not be viewed as the opposite of healthy eating.
"Healthy eating isn't about preparing every meal from scratch. It's about making choices that are realistic and sustainable.
For many people, especially those taking weight loss medications, having a balanced ready meal in the fridge is a healthier option than skipping meals or regularly relying on takeaways. Looking for meals with a good balance of protein, fibre and vegetables, while keeping an eye on salt and saturated fat, can make a real difference."
The simultaneous rise in purchases and searches suggests canned pasta may be benefiting from a broader return to nostalgic, low-effort cupboard foods.
For shoppers choosing canned pasta, checking the label remains important, as products can vary considerably in their protein, fibre, vegetable and salt content. Adding vegetables or an additional source of protein can also help turn the cupboard staple into a more balanced meal.
