Convenience Food

New Choices

Over the past century, major changes in the way we live and work have changed what we eat. Since the 1950s, the food industry has developed a wide variety of processed foods, which reduce preparation time. The popularity of these convenience foods reflects the ways in which our lives have changed, and the choice that many of us have made to spend less time in the kitchen.

Almost Homemade

Many consumers do not have the time, inclination, or skill to prepare complex meals or to make something from scratch. Instead, they choose to buy partially cooked foods, baked goods, frozen dinners, and even precut fruits and vegetables.

Soup Making

Compare these two methods of preparing soup

The Traditional Way

1. Place chicken in pot and add water.

2. Add carrots, celery and onions to pot.

3. Bring to boil, let simmer for two hours
and strain to make broth.

4. Slice vegetables and add to broth.

5. Add pasta.

6. Cut cooked chicken into pieces and add to soup.

Serves 12.
Cook Time : 3 hours

The Convenient Way

1. Open package, heat and serve.
Serves 1.
Cook Time : 5 minutes