Food insecurity, frozen meal edition

[Runrooster]

You don't really have to run out to buy deli meat, though. It's $4 per 1 pound pack, and it lasts for probably 3 months. Buy a pack once a quarter, use as needed, and if you end up not eating it at all, you've wasted $12 a year on it.

I’m reminded of our 8 minute salad conversation. I don’t buy deli meat but I see it at $4 for 8 oz and I expect meat to last 2 weeks, tops, esp after opening. I’m sure it goes slimy before 3 months?!

Anyway, stress is it’s own ball game. We had a family emergency just now, and even though I just came from the store, I had the brainpower to eat a prepared salad and some ramen. That’s after stopping myself from eating pie and chips.

Pom: yeah clearance, 4 oz each.  I bought all of them. Raspberries, not clearance, are still a steal too - $2/pound is the price I expect to pay for pears, they don’t come that cheap even frozen. Only limit was what they had in stock. I left a few, only because they do get moldy fast.

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

You don't really have to run out to buy deli meat, though. It's $4 per 1 pound pack, and it lasts for probably 3 months. Buy a pack once a quarter, use as needed, and if you end up not eating it at all, you've wasted $12 a year on it.

I’m reminded of our 8 minute salad conversation. I don’t buy deli meat but I see it at $4 for 8 oz and I expect meat to last 2 weeks, tops, esp after opening. I’m sure it goes slimy before 3 months?!

Anyway, stress is it’s own ball game. We had a family emergency just now, and even though I just came from the store, I had the brainpower to eat a prepared salad and some ramen. That’s after stopping myself from eating pie and chips.

Pom: yeah clearance, 4 oz each.  I bought all of them. Raspberries, not clearance, are still a steal too - $2/pound is the price I expect to pay for pears, they don’t come that cheap even frozen. Only limit was what they had in stock. I left a few, only because they do get moldy fast.

True true. Family emergencies and significant stress can really throw a monkey wrench in things.  No shame for doing what you can for sure. I was thinking more general stress of being busy during the week.

Good question on the deli meat. I but the cheapest stuff that's the prepackaged pound pack. I don't think I've seen it have an expiration date shorter than 2 months. Now once you open it, it's certainly going to go bad quicker, but then you've "used it" for the emergency and in my mind it's use it again before it goes bad or just toss it. We definitely use it enough to finish it up before slimy after opened. It's certainly a low bar, but in my mind comparable to frozen meals and, if no healthier, at least slightly tastier.

[mistymoney]

You don't really have to run out to buy deli meat, though. It's $4 per 1 pound pack, and it lasts for probably 3 months. Buy a pack once a quarter, use as needed, and if you end up not eating it at all, you've wasted $12 a year on it.

I’m reminded of our 8 minute salad conversation. I don’t buy deli meat but I see it at $4 for 8 oz and I expect meat to last 2 weeks, tops, esp after opening. I’m sure it goes slimy before 3 months?!

Anyway, stress is it’s own ball game. We had a family emergency just now, and even though I just came from the store, I had the brainpower to eat a prepared salad and some ramen. That’s after stopping myself from eating pie and chips.

Pom: yeah clearance, 4 oz each.  I bought all of them. Raspberries, not clearance, are still a steal too - $2/pound is the price I expect to pay for pears, they don’t come that cheap even frozen. Only limit was what they had in stock. I left a few, only because they do get moldy fast.

I am also questioning deli meat lasting 3 months....are you freezing it? I don't understand.

[mistymoney]

I also don't do well with any kind of half way decent frozen food for "back up". I'll just be lazy and use it immediately....

[Villanelle]

Deli meat freezes just fine. 

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

You don't really have to run out to buy deli meat, though. It's $4 per 1 pound pack, and it lasts for probably 3 months. Buy a pack once a quarter, use as needed, and if you end up not eating it at all, you've wasted $12 a year on it.

I’m reminded of our 8 minute salad conversation. I don’t buy deli meat but I see it at $4 for 8 oz and I expect meat to last 2 weeks, tops, esp after opening. I’m sure it goes slimy before 3 months?!

Anyway, stress is it’s own ball game. We had a family emergency just now, and even though I just came from the store, I had the brainpower to eat a prepared salad and some ramen. That’s after stopping myself from eating pie and chips.

Pom: yeah clearance, 4 oz each.  I bought all of them. Raspberries, not clearance, are still a steal too - $2/pound is the price I expect to pay for pears, they don’t come that cheap even frozen. Only limit was what they had in stock. I left a few, only because they do get moldy fast.

I am also questioning deli meat lasting 3 months....are you freezing it? I don't understand.

Freezing is definitely an option. I may have been exaggerating slightly, but when I buy deli meat and pay attention, I usually notice that, for example, I buy it early October, and the expiration date is well into December. I have never tested it that late, but I have eaten it past one month, and it's been fine.

[mistymoney]

You don't really have to run out to buy deli meat, though. It's $4 per 1 pound pack, and it lasts for probably 3 months. Buy a pack once a quarter, use as needed, and if you end up not eating it at all, you've wasted $12 a year on it.

I’m reminded of our 8 minute salad conversation. I don’t buy deli meat but I see it at $4 for 8 oz and I expect meat to last 2 weeks, tops, esp after opening. I’m sure it goes slimy before 3 months?!

Anyway, stress is it’s own ball game. We had a family emergency just now, and even though I just came from the store, I had the brainpower to eat a prepared salad and some ramen. That’s after stopping myself from eating pie and chips.

Pom: yeah clearance, 4 oz each.  I bought all of them. Raspberries, not clearance, are still a steal too - $2/pound is the price I expect to pay for pears, they don’t come that cheap even frozen. Only limit was what they had in stock. I left a few, only because they do get moldy fast.

I am also questioning deli meat lasting 3 months....are you freezing it? I don't understand.

Freezing is definitely an option. I may have been exaggerating slightly, but when I buy deli meat and pay attention, I usually notice that, for example, I buy it early October, and the expiration date is well into December. I have never tested it that late, but I have eaten it past one month, and it's been fine.

oh, could you clarify this a bit more? When someone says deli meat - I immediately think of going to the counter and saying give me a pound of sliced turkey loaf, and they put it on the slicer and then tape paper around it.

Are you maybe referring to sealed containers of like oscar meyerr bologna - where you don't break the seal, or the seal is good until December?

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

You don't really have to run out to buy deli meat, though. It's $4 per 1 pound pack, and it lasts for probably 3 months. Buy a pack once a quarter, use as needed, and if you end up not eating it at all, you've wasted $12 a year on it.

I’m reminded of our 8 minute salad conversation. I don’t buy deli meat but I see it at $4 for 8 oz and I expect meat to last 2 weeks, tops, esp after opening. I’m sure it goes slimy before 3 months?!

Anyway, stress is it’s own ball game. We had a family emergency just now, and even though I just came from the store, I had the brainpower to eat a prepared salad and some ramen. That’s after stopping myself from eating pie and chips.

Pom: yeah clearance, 4 oz each.  I bought all of them. Raspberries, not clearance, are still a steal too - $2/pound is the price I expect to pay for pears, they don’t come that cheap even frozen. Only limit was what they had in stock. I left a few, only because they do get moldy fast.

I am also questioning deli meat lasting 3 months....are you freezing it? I don't understand.

Freezing is definitely an option. I may have been exaggerating slightly, but when I buy deli meat and pay attention, I usually notice that, for example, I buy it early October, and the expiration date is well into December. I have never tested it that late, but I have eaten it past one month, and it's been fine.

oh, could you clarify this a bit more? When someone says deli meat - I immediately think of going to the counter and saying give me a pound of sliced turkey loaf, and they put it on the slicer and then tape paper around it.

Are you maybe referring to sealed containers of like oscar meyerr bologna - where you don't break the seal, or the seal is good until December?

Yes, that is what I was referring to. I understand the confusion now, thanks.

[Metalcat]

To be fair, I personally think it's a coin toss between deli meats and frozen meals. I wouldn't consider one superior to the other as an option nutritionally, so I think that's more down to personal preference.

[MandyT]

Frozen berries are very useful. Berries go bad so fast.

I second this! Even though we live in a southern state where you'd THINK we would get good produce in the supermarkets...the berries, etc. are expensive and terrible. I find frozen to be much better for things like yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, pancakes, smoothies, etc. It's still not cheap unless you hit a sale, but at least you're not throwing out half of it because it's awful.

Frozen corn and peas are also great for rice bowls, soups, etc. I'm a little afraid to try other frozen veg (broccoli, carrots, green beans, etc.); it's just as easy to get it fresh and roast, or steam in the Instant Pot.

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

To be fair, I personally think it's a coin toss between deli meats and frozen meals. I wouldn't consider one superior to the other as an option nutritionally, so I think that's more down to personal preference.

I will say you're definitely right about them both being pretty bad for you and it being personal preference. I do find I definitely like the taste of deli meat more than, say, a Salisbury steak and mashed potato frozen meal.

The other benefit of deli meat, to me though, is it's versatility. I can make it taste much better by putting it in some toasted bread with a good cheese, mustard, etc.

I also like to build my meals, and deli meat works well for that. I can have a large pack open and put a few slices into a salad I'm making if I don't have the usual sources of protein that I like like of baked chicken or eggs. I can eat a couple of slices if I'm hungry without eating a whole meals equivalent of a frozen dinner, and I can do it quickly.

Overall quantity for quantity it is probably as bad as a frozen meal, but I rarely eat the quantity of a frozen meal's worth of deli meat to supplement a quick meal or one that I don't have the time or inclination to make something.

[Metalcat]

To be fair, I personally think it's a coin toss between deli meats and frozen meals. I wouldn't consider one superior to the other as an option nutritionally, so I think that's more down to personal preference.

I will say you're definitely right about them both being pretty bad for you and it being personal preference. I do find I definitely like the taste of deli meat more than, say, a Salisbury steak and mashed potato frozen meal.

The other benefit of deli meat, to me though, is it's versatility. I can make it taste much better by putting it in some toasted bread with a good cheese, mustard, etc.

I also like to build my meals, and deli meat works well for that. I can have a large pack open and put a few slices into a salad I'm making if I don't have the usual sources of protein that I like like of baked chicken or eggs. I can eat a couple of slices if I'm hungry without eating a whole meals equivalent of a frozen dinner, and I can do it quickly.

Overall quantity for quantity it is probably as bad as a frozen meal, but I rarely eat the quantity of a frozen meal's worth of deli meat to supplement a quick meal or one that I don't have the time or inclination to make something.

A sandwich stops being very economical when you use deli meats, good bread, and good cheese though.

Obviously deli meats are convenient, that's why they've been a grocery staple for many decades. I just personally avoid them due to the growing research that indicates that they are really not something that should be eaten as a staple, which I why I personally wouldn't default to recommending them as a frugal "go-to" for time crunched people.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love a good salami, I just don't buy it as a staple and try to keep my consumption to a minimum.

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

To be fair, I personally think it's a coin toss between deli meats and frozen meals. I wouldn't consider one superior to the other as an option nutritionally, so I think that's more down to personal preference.

I will say you're definitely right about them both being pretty bad for you and it being personal preference. I do find I definitely like the taste of deli meat more than, say, a Salisbury steak and mashed potato frozen meal.

The other benefit of deli meat, to me though, is it's versatility. I can make it taste much better by putting it in some toasted bread with a good cheese, mustard, etc.

I also like to build my meals, and deli meat works well for that. I can have a large pack open and put a few slices into a salad I'm making if I don't have the usual sources of protein that I like like of baked chicken or eggs. I can eat a couple of slices if I'm hungry without eating a whole meals equivalent of a frozen dinner, and I can do it quickly.

Overall quantity for quantity it is probably as bad as a frozen meal, but I rarely eat the quantity of a frozen meal's worth of deli meat to supplement a quick meal or one that I don't have the time or inclination to make something.

A sandwich stops being very economical when you use deli meats, good bread, and good cheese though.

Obviously deli meats are convenient, that's why they've been a grocery staple for many decades. I just personally avoid them due to the growing research that indicates that they are really not something that should be eaten as a staple, which I why I personally wouldn't default to recommending them as a frugal "go-to" for time crunched people.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love a good salami, I just don't buy it as a staple and try to keep my consumption to a minimum.

Makes sense, and I agree with you. Definitely to be avoided, and I'm trying to reduce my consumption. I used to use it all the time on salads whereas now I use eggs with a pack in the fridge as backup. I'm probably on a once every two weeks way six slices kind of thing. Eventually I need to try to eliminate it altogether and stick with pb as my processed quick fix. I can't see myself ever giving that up.

[Metalcat]

Makes sense, and I agree with you. Definitely to be avoided, and I'm trying to reduce my consumption. I used to use it all the time on salads whereas now I use eggs with a pack in the fridge as backup. I'm probably on a once every two weeks way six slices kind of thing. Eventually I need to try to eliminate it altogether and stick with pb as my processed quick fix. I can't see myself ever giving that up.

My quick protein go-to is either eggs or hummus. I keep hard boiled eggs in the fridge and I make fresh hummus every 4-5 days.

So my ultra lazy meal is always bread (made every few days in bread maker), hard boiled eggs, hummus, and veggies. Very filling.

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

Makes sense, and I agree with you. Definitely to be avoided, and I'm trying to reduce my consumption. I used to use it all the time on salads whereas now I use eggs with a pack in the fridge as backup. I'm probably on a once every two weeks way six slices kind of thing. Eventually I need to try to eliminate it altogether and stick with pb as my processed quick fix. I can't see myself ever giving that up.

My quick protein go-to is either eggs or hummus. I keep hard boiled eggs in the fridge and I make fresh hummus every 4-5 days.

So my ultra lazy meal is always bread (made every few days in bread maker), hard boiled eggs, hummus, and veggies. Very filling.

Sounds yummy. I really need to start making bread regularly. Home made hummus sounds nice too!

[Metalcat]

Makes sense, and I agree with you. Definitely to be avoided, and I'm trying to reduce my consumption. I used to use it all the time on salads whereas now I use eggs with a pack in the fridge as backup. I'm probably on a once every two weeks way six slices kind of thing. Eventually I need to try to eliminate it altogether and stick with pb as my processed quick fix. I can't see myself ever giving that up.

My quick protein go-to is either eggs or hummus. I keep hard boiled eggs in the fridge and I make fresh hummus every 4-5 days.

So my ultra lazy meal is always bread (made every few days in bread maker), hard boiled eggs, hummus, and veggies. Very filling.

Sounds yummy. I really need to start making bread regularly. Home made hummus sounds nice too!

[/b]

Makes the store bought crap taste downright inedible. I make it from dried chick peas (instant pot), so that makes it even tastier AND cheaper.

Once the chickpeas are are done, it takes about 5 minutes to make a GIANT batch.

DH bought commercial bread and hummus while I was away recently and he hasn't stopped whining about how shitty it was. Lol.

[NotJen]

I don't like to be tempted to finish a loaf of bread before it goes bad (and don't need to eat bread on a daily basis), so when I make bread, it immediately goes into the freezer.  So I pretty much always have bread on hand and also don't ever waste it!

I gave up deli meat a long time ago.  My go-to sandwich when I need a meal before grocery shopping day is tuna salad.  I rarely feel satisfied by a PBJ {I need crunch}, so I leave that in the realm of hiking food.

My preference when I need a quick solo meal and I don't have a salad in the fridge is an egg scramble, using up whatever I have on hand.  But my BF would not like that as a meal, hence the tuna salad sandwiches, which he approves of.

[Metalcat]

I don't like to be tempted to finish a loaf of bread before it goes bad (and don't need to eat bread on a daily basis), so when I make bread, it immediately goes into the freezer.  So I pretty much always have bread on hand and also don't ever waste it!

I gave up deli meat a long time ago.  My go-to sandwich when I need a meal before grocery shopping day is tuna salad.  I rarely feel satisfied by a PBJ {I need crunch}, so I leave that in the realm of hiking food.

My preference when I need a quick solo meal and I don't have a salad in the fridge is an egg scramble, using up whatever I have on hand.  But my BF would not like that as a meal, hence the tuna salad sandwiches, which he approves of.

Now that I do intermittent fasting, bread has become a go-to vehicle for piling more calories into a meal. I also needed something for DH to snack on other than ridiculously expensive almonds. So we go through a lot of bread.

[Raenia]

Makes the store bought crap taste downright inedible. I make it from dried chick peas (instant pot), so that makes it even tastier AND cheaper.

Once the chickpeas are are done, it takes about 5 minutes to make a GIANT batch.

DH bought commercial bread and hummus while I was away recently and he hasn't stopped whining about how shitty it was. Lol.

I'm jealous.  Veggies, bread, and hummus is one of our favorite snacks/light meals.  Where do you get your tahini?  I made my own hummus a few times, but I haven't found a reasonable source of tahini around here and it's pretty expensive to order and ship.  It's a shame, because it's so easy to make, and I already have the dry chickpeas around from making Indian food.

[Metalcat]

Makes the store bought crap taste downright inedible. I make it from dried chick peas (instant pot), so that makes it even tastier AND cheaper.

Once the chickpeas are are done, it takes about 5 minutes to make a GIANT batch.

DH bought commercial bread and hummus while I was away recently and he hasn't stopped whining about how shitty it was. Lol.

I'm jealous.  Veggies, bread, and hummus is one of our favorite snacks/light meals.  Where do you get your tahini?  I made my own hummus a few times, but I haven't found a reasonable source of tahini around here and it's pretty expensive to order and ship.  It's a shame, because it's so easy to make, and I already have the dry chickpeas around from making Indian food.

I live in a very multicultural neighborhood, there are 4 types of tahini at the local discount grocery alone.

But tahini is stupid easy to make: lightly toast sesame seeds, put sesame seeds in food processor, add oil. Voila.

[LightStache]

This thread inspired me to check out frozen meals for lunch today. I bought a Healthy Choice Max Protein Bowl for $4.50. The "Max" indicates that it's bigger than their other bowls, but at 450 calories I wouldn't consider it a large meal.

The nutrition profile is pretty good, with only 2g of saturated fat, 570mg of sodium, 53g carbs, 9g fiber, 13g added sugar. I think it's brilliant that they added 1,200 mg of potassium in lieu of sodium.

Compared to other frozen meals I've tried, I'd give it a 10/10 for the combination of value, nutrition, and taste. Of course it doesn't compare to a fresh meal, but I was very pleasantly surprised. As someone who tends to spend around $30/day on food, I'll probably start incorporating more of these meals.

[Metalcat]

This thread inspired me to check out frozen meals for lunch today. I bought a Healthy Choice Max Protein Bowl for $4.50. The "Max" indicates that it's bigger than their other bowls, but at 450 calories I wouldn't consider it a large meal.

The nutrition profile is pretty good, with only 2g of saturated fat, 570mg of sodium, 53g carbs, 9g fiber, 13g added sugar. I think it's brilliant that they added 1,200 mg of potassium in lieu of sodium.

Compared to other frozen meals I've tried, I'd give it a 10/10 for the combination of value, nutrition, and taste. Of course it doesn't compare to a fresh meal, but I was very pleasantly surprised. As someone who tends to spend around $30/day on food, I'll probably start incorporating more of these meals.

This is about the same price that I'm able to get someone to cook all of my meals for me with better taste, more variety, and no preservatives.

Maybe look into that as an option?

[Goldielocks]

Okay, a few things you are not thinking about....

1)  When you bulk buy, you tend to eat a lot more of that item.  Yes it is cheaper than takeout, but not when you start to eat it 3-4x a week.   Frozen meals (and snacks) are the first foods to typically disappear in a household.

2)  Fridges at work -- you will have some loss due to pilfering when people see something in the freezer for 3 months.  Or when someone is super duper starving at 7pm while working overtime.   It is hard to resist food when you are that hungry (and maybe locked in?  That used to happen to me without warning).

3.) Nutrition??  what do you want to be eating?  will you still be hungry after this meal?

Money Tip -- this month I am trialing baked potatoes -- I bake 6 of them at a time, and keep them in my fridge for eating over the week.   Sliced and fried with eggs for breakfast, take one for a quick lunch top up (with some protein + salad).   Eat one for a snack, side dish at dinner.

Cooking 6 at a time saves me a lot of time, they are quick to reach for, etc.  Otherwise it takes me a long long time to get through a 20lb bag.

[sonofsven]

Okay, a few things you are not thinking about....

1)  When you bulk buy, you tend to eat a lot more of that item.  Yes it is cheaper than takeout, but not when you start to eat it 3-4x a week.   Frozen meals (and snacks) are the first foods to typically disappear in a household.

2)  Fridges at work -- you will have some loss due to pilfering when people see something in the freezer for 3 months.  Or when someone is super duper starving at 7pm while working overtime.   It is hard to resist food when you are that hungry (and maybe locked in?  That used to happen to me without warning).

3.) Nutrition??  what do you want to be eating?  will you still be hungry after this meal?

Money Tip -- this month I am trialing baked potatoes -- I bake 6 of them at a time, and keep them in my fridge for eating over the week.   Sliced and fried with eggs for breakfast, take one for a quick lunch top up (with some protein + salad).   Eat one for a snack, side dish at dinner.

Cooking 6 at a time saves me a lot of time, they are quick to reach for, etc.  Otherwise it takes me a long long time to get through a 20lb bag.

I do a similar thing with bulk potatoes: sliced, seasoned, and oven roasted (we call them jo-jo's 'round here). I'll do a whole baking sheet then take some for part of lunch, warmed in the microwave, at work, or have some as a snack.
I've always been a chip fiend so I've been working on these as a healthier alternative, even dipped in a little sour cream. Saves money, too.

[TomTX]

Rao's does seem to be the highest fat jarred sauce. But the tomatoes and simmer time put it over the top. And I appreciate that there is no added sugar in the one we get. I love it, but wouldn't indulge if DH didn't insist. And he is usually downright stingy.

I realize it's really regional (ie, Central through East Texas) - but the HEB organics jarred tomato sauce is really excellent*, and was $1.89/jar for a long time. Now it's gone up to $2.12.

*as are pretty much all HEB house brand products. Seriously, they have 5 tiers of house brand: Hill Country Fare (HCF), HEB, HEB Organics, Central Market, Central Market Organics. HCF is the lowest tier - it's the only one that's a bit of a crapshoot. Most HCF items are great, some a mediocre. The other tiers always stand up well (often better) than national brands. Family owned since 1905, though it was just 1 location until the 1920s.

The MPP of having an HEB is that I can no longer stand prepackaged tortillas. They're just cardboard compared to the ones made onsite daily by most HEB bakeries (seriously, they have a tortilla pressing machine you can watch.) Note that HEB slightly undercooks the tortillas - they are still perfectly fine, but on the "rare" end of done. This is so that you can properly heat/toast them at home when you're going to use them. You can use a skillet - but I normally just cook directly on the gas burner and flip them a few times with my fingers.  In the fridge at home they do stiffen up, but are still great for at least a week when toasted.

[SweatingInAR]

I'm jealous.  Veggies, bread, and hummus is one of our favorite snacks/light meals.  Where do you get your tahini?  I made my own hummus a few times, but I haven't found a reasonable source of tahini around here and it's pretty expensive to order and ship.  It's a shame, because it's so easy to make, and I already have the dry chickpeas around from making Indian food.

I use unsweetened peanut butter instead of tahini frequently. It has a different nutty taste, but similar enough! Many grocery stores even have a store brand unsweetened PB. Kroger and its various subsidiaries do! The only ingredients are Peanuts and Salt.