Banquet Debuts New MEGA Chicken Tenders to Satisfy America's Desire for Tenders

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Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) has launched Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders, a frozen chicken product available in Original and Spicy varieties, each serving providing 16g of protein. The tenders target growing U.S. demand for convenient, high-protein meals, especially among Gen Z consumers.

The product comes in a 22 oz bag with approximately 11 tenders and a suggested retail price of $7.49. Conagra highlights category data, including $1.8 billion in annual retail sales for frozen chicken tenders and strips and 13% three-year compound annual dollar growth, as well as strong household penetration for frozen prepared chicken.

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New Chicken Offering Delivers MEGA Taste, 16g of Protein Per Serving

CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans look to add protein to their diets, the nation's appetite for chicken is reaching new heights. Among the most popular ways to enjoy chicken are crispy tenders, a category that has grown to $1.8 billion in annual retail sales¹. To meet the nation's insatiable appetite for this beloved food, Banquet®, a brand of Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) has debuted Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders, available in Original and Spicy varieties. Perfect for a weeknight meal during the busy back-to-school season, Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders provide 16g of protein per serving.  

"Chicken tenders provide so much of what Americans seek in a meal," said Ayesha Narula, VP/GM, Conagra Brands. "Convenient protein, easy prep, and delicious taste are among the many reasons consumers enjoy chicken tenders. As we prepared for the arrival of our Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders, we found some fascinating insights on their broad popularity."

Chicken in America: A Closer Look
Since the 1940s, chicken has steadily risen to become America's most widely available protein. In 1996, chicken moved past pork to become the second-most available protein then overtook beef in 2010². The average American's total chicken consumption first surpassed 100 pounds in 2024 and is projected at 106.8 pounds per American in 2027³.

Driving the appetite for chicken are Gen Z consumers seeking protein. Half of Gen Z adults are looking to add more protein to their diets, up 14% versus year ago⁴. With 23% of Gen Z's annual eating occasions marked as "Heat & Eat" meals⁵, chicken tenders are an ideal mealtime solution. Nationwide, 48% of all consumers say they are actively seeking more protein, a figure that is up 6.8 points versus a year ago⁶.

The following stats further illustrate the depth of America's appetite for chicken and chicken tenders.

• $1.8 billion: Annual retail sales for frozen chicken tenders and strips¹
• 3%: Three-year compound annual dollar growth for frozen chicken tenders and strips⁷
• 62.3%: Share of U.S. households buying frozen prepared chicken at least once a year⁸
• 27%: Tenders' menu penetration rate; more than a quarter of all U.S. restaurant menus⁹
• $56.5 billion: Consumer spending at chicken-focused quick-service restaurants over the 12-month period ending June 2026, up 5% over the previous year¹⁰
• 38%: Percentage of frozen chicken prepared at home in an oven, narrowly topping air fryers (37%) as the top prep method¹¹

Adding to chicken tenders' universal appeal is their ability to be customized with dipping sauces. Recent research found that top menu pairings include ranch (21% of menu pairings), Buffalo (18%), honey mustard (17%) and BBQ (7%)¹²; while at home ketchup (51%) accounts for more than half of the condiment or sauce pairings with chicken tenders¹³.

Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders are ready to prepare whenever you need them. Easy to prepare in an air fryer, a 22 oz. bag includes approximately 11 tenders. The Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders are now available in Original and Spicy varieties for a suggested retail price of $7.49. For more information, visit www.banquet.com. 

About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We combine a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and a relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. The company's portfolio is continuously evolving to satisfy consumers' ever-changing food preferences. Conagra's brands include Birds Eye®, Duncan Hines®, Healthy Choice®, Marie Callender's®, Reddi-wip®, Slim Jim®, Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, and many more. As a corporate citizen, we aim to do what's right for our business, our employees, our communities and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2026 net sales of over $11 billion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.

1, 7, 8: Total MULO+ C L52 WE 7/26/2026; Circana Panel Total US – All Outlets L52 W/E 7/12/2026
2, 3: Per Capita Consumption of Poultry and Livestock, 1960 to Forecast 2027, in pounds – National Chicken Council
4: Circana NET Habits L1YE Ending September 2025 
5: Circana National Eating Trends 1 Year Ending June 2025 
6: Circana National Eating Trends HABTS L12 Months Ending March 2026 
9: Datassential, August 2026 
10: Circana CREST Data 12ME June 2026 
11,13: Circana National Eating Trends, Frozen Chicken Tenders, last two years ending January 2025 
12: Datassential, June 2026

For all media inquiries, please contact:
Dan Skinner
Conagra Brands
(312) 549-5636
Dan.Skinner@conagra.com

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SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.

FAQ

What are Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders launched by Conagra Brands (CAG) on September 1, 2026?

Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders are frozen chicken tenders offered in Original and Spicy varieties. According to Conagra Brands, they are designed as a convenient, crispy meal option for consumers seeking easy-to-prepare, protein-rich chicken tenders at home.

How much protein is in Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders from Conagra Brands (CAG)?

Each serving of Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders contains 16g of protein. According to Conagra Brands, this nutrient profile aims to meet rising demand from Americans, especially Gen Z adults, who are actively looking to add more protein into their everyday meals.

What is the price and package size of Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders from CAG?

Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders are sold in a 22 oz bag with about 11 tenders for a suggested price of $7.49. According to Conagra Brands, this format offers a family-friendly, freezer-ready option for weeknight meals and back-to-school occasions.

How does the new Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders launch relate to the U.S. chicken tenders market?

The launch aligns with a frozen chicken tenders and strips market generating $1.8 billion in annual retail sales. According to Conagra Brands, this category has seen a 13% three-year compound annual dollar growth and strong household penetration in frozen prepared chicken products.

Why is Conagra Brands (CAG) focusing on chicken tenders with its Banquet MEGA Crispy product?

Conagra Brands is focusing on chicken tenders because many consumers, especially Gen Z, seek convenient protein and heat-and-eat meals. According to the company, 48% of consumers are actively seeking more protein, making crispy chicken tenders a suitable option for evolving mealtime habits.

How are Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders intended to be prepared at home?

Banquet MEGA Crispy Chicken Tenders are designed for easy home preparation, including in an air fryer. According to Conagra Brands, 38% of frozen chicken is prepared in an oven and 37% in air fryers, making these common cooking methods for this new product.