Convenience food

Three Levels of Convenience

Basic, Complex, Manufactured

Advantages of convenience foods

Less preparation time Reduced planning, buying, and storing of ingredients. Fewer leftovers More variety, especially for inexperienced cooks. Faster and easier clean up Storability-usually keep well for extended periods

Some convenience foods are cheaper than homemade because

Mass production and distribution are more cost efficient. Transportation is cheaper for packaged foods, especially in concentrated form Original purchase costs take advantage of bulk prices and seasonal production Less spoilage and waste occur with packaged convenience items.

Disadvantages of convenience foods

May be less meat, fish, or cheese than you would include in homemade versions. Cooking time is sometimes increased for thawing or longer baking time. Harder to control fat, salt and sugar levels. Cost per serving may be higher than homemade.

Scratch cooking

Preparing a dish from unprepared foods

Nutrition of Convenience Foods

Processing usually destroys some nutrients Heat destroys Vit C When grains are processed, much of the fiber is lost Many convenience foods tend to be high in sodium, sugar, and fat

advantages of convenience food

easily kept without refrigeration appetising meals for the family can be prepared very quickly saves time and labour better than poor cooking faster fewer and easier cleanup makes mealtime easier for children elderly and people with disabilities adds more variety no wastage consistent quality may be fortified with nutrients useful for emergencies require little skill in preparation and cooking

what can be done to avoid disadvantages

eat convenience food together with fresh meat and vegetables choose convenience food carefully by reading the nutritional information compare the cost of convenience foods with homemade and decide if its worth buying

ready to cook characteristics

foods packed for sale directly for the purpose of cooking less preparation time needed no skill is required

Basic convenience foods

canned, frozen, or dried foods with one or very few ingredients. Instant potatoes Frozen juice concentrates Canned vegetables

Manufactured convenience foods

cannot be made at home Relatively expensive because of production technology Carbonated beverages Ready to eat cereals Instant coffee Egg substitutes Analogues (foods made veggie protein, made to resemble meat.) TSP: textured soy protein Generally low in fat and cholesterol

what is convenience food

commercially prepared food designed for ease of consumption food that has been processed to save time and labour

ready to eat food characteristics

processed food packed and ready for sale no skill or cooking needed useful for people who are not at home at mealtimes can be eaten instantly

types of convenience food

ready to cook ready to eat canned frozen packet mix bottled dried preserved dehydrated

disadvantages of convenience food

may contain harmful additives and chemical substances does not include enough portions of fruit and vegetables may not make up enough servings from the food pyramid inferior in taste and texture contains a high percentage of sodium and fat less nutritious as many are lost during processing amount of dietary fibre are less than the amount present in fresh foods harder to control fat salt and sugar levels encourage laziness as one may be tempted to buy them too often more expensive

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

Low Cost Convenience

Instant mashed potatoes Spaghetti sauce Instant nonfat dry milk Mac and cheese dry mix Canned condensed soups Frozen French fries Frozen juice concentrate Cake and pancake dry mixes Canned vegetables and fruits Plain frozen vegetables bread, crackers, rolls

What adds to the cost of convenience foods?

Packaging Precooking Seasoning and sauces

Foods not often thought of as convenience foods

Things like sliced bread, bottled salad dressing, and packaged cheese are examples of convenience foods

what to do when purchasing convenience foods

always check the expiry date buy fresh products from a store which has a quick turnover of food ensure the can is not bulging dented or rusty do not buy packets of frozen food which have large ice crystals ensure that the packets of dried food are properly sealed avoid buying dried food that is moldy or has weevils in it do not buy in bulk as you may waste the food after the expiry date do not purchase because of offers and discounts

why is convenience food popular

increasing number of working mothers thus less time to prepare food easier and quicker to prepare compared to fresh food due to busy schedules easy storage of ready prepared food like longer periods of storage possible and increased freezer ownership high influence of media on peoples food habits like advertisements and promotions

characteristics of convenience food

saves time or simplifies work adds to ones ease or comfort can be consumed at any situation or time is easy to obtain or consume

Complex convenience foods

several ingredients with more time saving processing, these often cost more than homemade. Mac and cheese Ramen noodles Frozen dinners