Convenience Foods vs.

Making from Scratch

Made by Ms. Hughes

Compare and contrast the cost and taste of made-from-scratch, convenience, and ready-made foods.

Competency #46

Making a food from scratch involves using staple ingredients, or other store bought ingredients.

Ex. Making our cookies, and making the macaroni and cheese

What does it mean to make something 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

Advantages of Made from scratch

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

Disadvantages

Box macaroni and cheese Soups Taco kits Hamburger Helper Quaker Oats oatmeal Boxed cake mixes

What are convenience foods

Foods sold premade or cooked. Ex. Deli salads Bakery items Rotisserie Chicken Frozen or Refrigerated entrees, dinners, or

side dishes

Ready Made Foods

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-Advantages

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

Convenience Foods-Disadvantages

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

Three Levels of Convenience

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

What makes a Convenience Food Cheaper than Homemade

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

Low Cost Convenience

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

Some Convenience Foods are more expensive

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

High Cost Convenience