7 Premade ‘Shortcut’ Foods to Avoid for Tastier Meals and Saving Money

Cooking can be a time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming task, especially if you’re trying to feed a family or entertain guests. It’s natural to look for ways to save time and money in the kitchen, and there are plenty of shortcuts that can help you do just that. However, it’s important to be mindful of the trade-offs that come with some of these shortcuts. While they may save you time and money in the short term, they may also result in less flavorful and less satisfying meals. 

Here are a few kitchen shortcuts to avoid:

1. Pre-packaged seasoning mixes: These convenient packets may seem like a quick and easy way to add flavor to your dishes, but they often contain a lot of salt, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can undermine the taste and quality of your food. Instead, try using fresh herbs and spices to season your dishes. Not only will this give your food a more vibrant and complex flavor, it will also be healthier for you! Plus, you can save money by buying spices in bulk and storing them in your pantry.

2. Pre-shredded cheeses: Using freshly grated cheese is generally considered to be better than using prepackaged, pre-shredded cheese for a number of reasons. For one, freshly grated cheese tends to have a more intense flavor and a fresher taste than pre-shredded cheese, which can often taste bland and lifeless in comparison. Additionally, freshly grated cheese tends to melt more smoothly and evenly, making it a better choice for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or baked pasta dishes. Finally, freshly grated cheese is usually higher quality and made from whole blocks of cheese, while pre-shredded cheese is often made from lower quality cheese and may contain added preservatives and other ingredients to prevent it from clumping together.

3. Canned vegetables: Canned vegetables are often less expensive than fresh ones, and they can be convenient to have on hand for quick meals. However, they tend to be less flavorful and less nutrient-dense than fresh vegetables. They also often contain added salt, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems. If you want to save money and cook healthier meals, try buying fresh vegetables in season, or consider freezing or preserving your own vegetables at home.

4. Pre-ground coffee: Coffee beans are generally considered to be a superior choice to pre-ground coffee for several reasons. They stay fresh for longer, retain their full flavor and aroma until they are ground, and can be customized to suit your brewing method. Additionally, high-quality coffee beans are usually sold whole, while lower quality beans may be ground and sold as pre-ground coffee. By choosing whole beans, you can be sure that you are getting the best quality coffee. Buying whole beans also allows you to try a variety of different beans and roasts, making it a fun and rewarding way to explore the world of coffee. Overall, using whole coffee beans tends to result in a fresher, more flavorful, and more customizable cup of coffee than using pre-ground coffee.

5. Pre-made sauces and marinades: Pre-made sauces and marinades may seem like a convenient way to add flavor to your dishes, but they can be expensive and often contain a lot of sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. Instead, try making your own sauces and marinades at home using fresh ingredients. Not only will this give you more control over the flavor and quality of your food, it will also save you money in the long run.

6. Pre-cut and pre-peeled fruits and vegetables: While it’s certainly convenient to have pre-cut and pre-peeled fruits and vegetables at your disposal, these products can be expensive and often lack the flavor and nutrients of their whole counterparts. Instead, try cutting and peeling your own fruits and vegetables at home. Not only will this give you more control over the quality of your ingredients, it will also save you money in the long run.

7. Bottled lemon or lime juice: Using fresh lemon or lime juice has several advantages over bottled juice. It is fresher and has a more vibrant flavor, is a good source of vitamin C, and does not contain any added preservatives, artificial flavors, or other additives. Many people also find that it has a more authentic and natural taste, and it is more versatile and effective in a variety of dishes and drinks. In addition, using fresh lemon or lime juice is just as convenient as using bottled juice, and it generates less waste, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Overall, using fresh lemon or lime juice is generally considered to be the better choice.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to look for ways to save time and money in the kitchen, it’s important to be mindful of the trade-offs that come with shortcuts. By avoiding pre-packaged seasoning mixes, canned vegetables, pre-made sauces and marinades, and pre-cut and pre-peeled fruits and vegetables, you can cook tastier food and save money in the long run.