Category Overview
The Prepared Foods category, identified by ID 5814, is a specific classification within the Google product taxonomy designed for ready-to-eat or heat-and-eat meal solutions. Its full path is Food, Beverages & Tobacco > Food Items > Prepared Foods, representing a third-level classification within the broader food hierarchy.
What Belongs in Prepared Foods
This category includes pre-prepared culinary items that require minimal preparation before consumption. Based on products found in the US market, this includes:
- Individual meals and complete entrées like pot pies, braised ribs, or burrito bowls.
- Savory prepared items such as empanadas, tamales, and quiches.
- Gourmet side dishes like creamed spinach or lobster mac and cheese.
- Refrigerated lunch combinations containing multiple components like chips, dip, and salsa.
- Prepared desserts that are ready to serve, such as layered tiramisu cakes.
What Belongs Elsewhere
Do not use this category for ingredients or pantry staples. If your items fall into the following neighboring categories, please use those specific paths instead: Bakery (for bread), Frozen Desserts & Novelties (for ice cream), Condiments & Sauces, or Meat, Seafood & Eggs for raw ingredients. Processed snacks belong under Snack Foods, while individual soups should be mapped to Soups & Broths.
Choosing a Subcategory
When items are clearly divisible, opt for Prepared Meals & Entrées for main courses or Prepared Appetizers & Side Dishes for smaller portions.
Feed Implementation
Use either the numeric ID 5814 or the full path Food, Beverages & Tobacco > Food Items > Prepared Foods. While the attribute is optional, explicit categorization ensures better data accuracy compared to automated assignment.