Convenience Foods vs Making from Scratch Made by

Convenience Foods vs. Making from Scratch Made by Ms. Hughes

Competency #46 �Compare and contrast the cost and taste of madefrom-scratch, convenience, and readymade foods.

What does it mean to make something from scratch � Making a food from scratch involves using staple ingredients, or other store bought ingredients. � Ex. Making our cookies, and making the macaroni and cheese

Advantages of Made from scratch � You are in control of the recipe ◦ Flavors ◦ Dietary restrictions ◦ Freshness � May be less expensive than purchasing ready -made or convenience versions � May be a family recipe passed down from generation to generation

Disadvantages � In general may take longer than similar convenience methods � Can be more expensive � Requires you have all necessary ingredients on hand � More mistakes may happen if you are inexperienced in preparing the recipe

What are convenience foods � Box macaroni and cheese � Soups � Taco kits � Hamburger Helper � Quaker Oats oatmeal � Boxed cake mixes

Ready Made Foods � Foods sold premade or cooked. � Ex. Deli salads � Bakery items � Rotisserie Chicken � Frozen or Refrigerated entrees, dinners, or side dishes

Convenience Foods-Advantages � Less preparation time � Reduced planning, buying, and storing of ingredients � Fewer leftovers � More variety, especially for inexperienced cooks � Faster and easier cleanup � Storability-usually keep well for extended periods

Convenience Foods-Disadvantages � May be less of certain ingredients (meat, fish, cheese) � Cooking time may be increased for thawing or longer baking time � Harder to control fat, salt, and sugar � Cost per serving my be higher that homemade

Three Levels of Convenience �Basic-canned, frozen, or dried foods with few ingredients ◦ Instant potatoes, frozen juice concentrate, canned veggies

Three Levels of Convenience �Complex- Several ingredients with more time-saving processing, these often cost more than homemade ◦ Ready to use frosting, frozen waffles, frozen entrees

Three Levels of Convenience �Manufactured-Cannot be made at home, relatively expensive because of production technology ◦ Carbonated beverages

What makes a Convenience Food Cheaper than Homemade � Mass production and distribution are cost effective � Transportation is cheaper for packaged foods � Taking advantage of bulk prices and seasonal production � Less spoilage and waste occur

Low Cost Convenience � Frozen juice concentrate � Cake and pancake dry mixes � Canned vegetables and fruits � Plain frozen vegetables � Instant mashed potatoes � Spaghetti sauce � Macaroni and cheese dry mix � Canned condensed soups � Frozen french fries � Bread, crackers, rolls

Some Convenience Foods are more expensive � Choose convenience foods carefully and make it at home if you have time/resources � Packaging, precooking, and seasoning and sauces add cost ◦ The more done to foods by someone else the more you pay

High Cost Convenience � Frozen vegetables with sauce � Coating mixes � Carry-out or deli items � Frozen entrees or dinners � Instant hot cereals � Fancy bakery items � Ready to use frosting � Frozen pancake batter � Meat “helpers” � Seasoned Rice