A United States Department of Agriculture report says American households are increasing their demand for convenience foods.

The report, authored by Abigail M. Okrent and Aylin Kumcu, says demand for the six food groups, regardless of their level of convenience to the household, is largely determined by price and income-led changes in total food expenditures, although advertising played  a role in demand for fast-food meals and snacks.

Foods were categorized into six groups based on the amount of time the food save households in meal preparation, or convenience — basic ingredients, complex ingredients, ready-to-cook, ready-to-eat, meals or snacks from fast-food restaurants, and meals or snacks from sit-down restaurants.

The least convenient foods — basic and complex ingredients — constituted less than a quarter of the average household food budget. The most convenient foods — purchased from fast-food and sit-down restaurants — constitute around half of the total budget.

The findings of the report — which can be found here — are more good news for supermarket and c-store foodservice providers.