If you run a restaurant, you’ve probably noticed how food delivery is changing fast. It’s not just about ordering dinner anymore—people now want ready-to-eat (RTE) meals that they can grab instantly from platforms like Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit. But is this trend right for your restaurant? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Are Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Meals?
Ready-to-eat meals are fully prepared meals that just need heating (or sometimes not even that). Think of items like biryani bowls, sandwiches, salads, pasta, parathas, and desserts that people can pick up with their groceries or essentials.
These meals are a huge trend because people today are busier than ever. A 2023 report by IMARC Group states that the Indian ready-to-eat food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2023 to 2028. That means more and more people are looking for quick and easy meals!
Why Should Your Restaurant Consider RTE Meals on Swiggy Instamart & Blinkit?
- Tap into a growing market
Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit aren’t just for groceries anymore. They are becoming go-to platforms for quick meals, and the demand is only rising. India’s food delivery market is expected to reach $25 billion by 2030, according to RedSeer Consulting. Getting into RTE meals now puts you ahead of competitors.
- Extra revenue without extra seating
If you have a restaurant, you might be limited by seating capacity. But with RTE meals, you can increase your sales without needing more tables or staff. Your food can reach hundreds of customers daily, even if your physical space is full.
- Low-cost expansion
Unlike opening another restaurant branch, selling RTE meals requires very little investment. You don’t need to rent a new space—you just use your existing kitchen to prepare meals that can be stocked on Swiggy Instamart & Blinkit.
- Less dependence on peak hours
Most restaurants see high sales during lunch and dinner but slow business in between. RTE meals sell all day because people order them when they’re hungry—morning, afternoon, or even late at night.
- Reaching more customers
Not everyone has time to sit in a restaurant. Some don’t even want to wait for a regular Swiggy/Zomato order. Busy professionals, students, and parents love RTE meals because they can grab a meal instantly while ordering groceries.
What kind of ready-to-eat meals work best?
Not every meal works as an RTE meal. Here’s what sells best:
- Single-serving bowls (Biryani, Dal-Chawal, Rajma-Chawal, Pasta, Noodles)
- Stuffed parathas with dips
- Wraps and sandwiches
- Healthy salads and grain bowls
- Desserts like brownies, cheesecakes, and puddings
The key is to offer food that stays fresh for hours, doesn’t spill easily, and reheats well.
Challenges to consider (and how to overcome them)
While RTE meals sound great, they do come with challenges. Here’s how to handle them:
- Packaging matters
Your food should stay hot, fresh, and spill-proof. Use compostable packaging (like those made from bagasse) instead of plastic to attract environmental-conscious customers.
- Short shelf life
Since RTE meals don’t have preservatives, they have a shorter shelf life than packaged food. Stick to items that last at least 6-12 hours without losing freshness.
- Competition
You won’t be the only one selling RTE meals. But great branding, better pricing, and premium quality can help you stand out. Use high-quality images, attractive packaging, and tempting descriptions to attract buyers.
- Pricing right
Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit take a commission. Make sure to price your meals smartly so you cover costs while staying competitive.
How to get started
Ready to try it? Follow these steps:
Step 1: Check if your city is eligible – Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit are expanding, but not all areas have RTE meal options yet.
Step 2: Decide on your menu – Pick dishes that travel well, stay fresh, and appeal to a wide audience.
Step 3: Get packaging sorted – Use sturdy, eco-friendly packaging to keep food fresh and attractive.
Step 3: List your meals on the platform – Register with Swiggy Instamart or Blinkit as a seller.
Step 4: Market your RTE meals – Use social media, discounts, and promotions to get initial traction.
Final Verdict: Should You Do It?
Yes! If you want to increase sales, reach more customers, and make your restaurant future-ready, selling RTE meals on Swiggy Instamart & Blinkit is a smart move.
Customers are looking for quick, fresh, and high-quality meals—why not be the one to give it to them? Start small, test the market, and scale up as you go. Who knows? Your restaurant’s RTE meals might just become the next big hit!