Economics of Food: Nutrition and Cost

Questions and Answers

What is one of the main factors that determines your overall food expenditures?

Where you buy foods and beverages

Why are fast foods often more expensive than preparing food at home?

Because someone else is preparing the food for you

What is a characteristic of fast foods?

They are energy dense and low in micronutrients

What is a benefit of buying foods and beverages at supermarkets compared to convenience stores?

Supermarkets offer lower prices for the same items Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to trim food costs without sacrificing proper nutrition?

Analyzing your food buying practices and making changes Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to prepare food at home instead of relying on commercial outlets?

Because preparing food at home can save you money Signup and view all the answers

What is a learning outcome of this section?

To discuss practical ways to save money when purchasing food Signup and view all the answers

When were the retail food prices used as examples in this section?

Summer of 2019 Signup and view all the answers

What is a money-saving practice when buying apples?

Buying a pound of raw apples and slicing them yourself Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of supermarkets compared to convenience stores?

They offer a wider selection of foods, particularly nutrient-dense options Signup and view all the answers

Why is produce grown in the United States usually less expensive when it is in season?

Because it is more plentiful and locally grown Signup and view all the answers

Why is buying food in bulk not always a good idea?

Because the food may spoil before it can be used Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the vitamin C content of produce when it is bruised or becomes wilted?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of comparing unit costs of similar food products?

To determine which product is the best value Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of buying produce from local farmers?

It supports the local community's economy Signup and view all the answers

How can you calculate the unit price of a food product?

By dividing the cost of the entire package by the number of units of food it contains Signup and view all the answers

Why are frozen or canned fruits and vegetables often less expensive than their fresh counterparts?

They are harvested when ripe and frozen immediately Signup and view all the answers

Why are prepared foods often more expensive than 'slow foods'?

Because they require more processing and packaging Signup and view all the answers

What is a good practice to avoid when buying items marked '3 for $1.00'?

Buying all three items Signup and view all the answers

Why are preportioned snack foods usually more costly per ounce than the same foods purchased in larger packages?

They are packaged in smaller sizes Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to save money and improve diet?

Rely less on prepared foods and more on 'slow foods' Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of buying a whole chicken instead of a rotisserie-cooked chicken?

It's cheaper Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of making your own preportioned snacks?

It is less costly per ounce Signup and view all the answers

What should you ignore when comparing package sizes of similar products?

The package size Signup and view all the answers

Why should you compare the prices of raw and pre-cut fruits and vegetables?

To determine which one is cheaper Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when comparing the unit price of organic foods and similar conventionally produced items?

Consider purchasing the conventional product if it is cheaper Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of shopping at 'no frills' cash-only grocery stores?

They offer lower prices Signup and view all the answers

Why should you plan your meals and snacks before you shop for food?

To avoid impulse purchases Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'sell by' date on packages of perishable foods?

To inform store employees about the length of time the product should be displayed for sale. Signup and view all the answers

Why are store brand items often less expensive than brand-name items?

They don't have name recognition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of buying canned fish instead of fresh fish?

There is less waste with canned fish. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you avoid shopping for groceries when you are hungry?

You will be more likely to buy foods that are high in empty calories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended way to reduce the cost of coffee?

Buy a coffee maker and make your own coffee. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of freezing perishable foods such as shredded cheese and fluid fat-free milk?

They will not spoil as quickly. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you read food product labels for storage information?

To know how to store the food to prevent spoilage. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended way to reduce food waste?

Plan your meals and make a shopping list. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to have at least one vegetarian meal a week?

Vegetarian meals are a healthier alternative to meat-based meals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of growing your own herbs?

You can have fresh seasonings for cooking. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Saving Money on Food

To eat well for less, analyze your food buying practices and make a few changes.
Where you buy foods and beverages and what you decide to purchase are major factors in determining your overall food expenditures.

Comparing Food Prices

Compare unit costs of similar food products to determine the best value.
Use a small calculator to compare prices.
Determine the unit price of the cereal in each box by dividing the cost of the entire package by the number of units of food it contains.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets offer a wide variety of prepared foods, including deli items, frozen entrées, and fresh cut-up fruit packaged in single-serving plastic bags or cups.
These "fast foods" are convenient, but food processing and packaging add to the cost of food.
To save money and improve your diet, rely less on prepared foods and more on "slow foods"—foods that require some of your time and effort to prepare.

Buying in Bulk

Buying food in bulk is a bargain only if you can use the item before it spoils.
Consider buying a raw whole chicken and cutting it into parts or a whole chicken breast and removing the skin and bones.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Eating more fruits and vegetables is the natural way to add micronutrients, fiber, and phytochemicals to your diet.
Compare the price of pre-cut, pre-packaged fruits and vegetables with that of their raw counterparts.
Produce that is grown in the United States is usually less expensive when it is in season and more plentiful.

Shopping Wisely

Use unit pricing to compare costs of similar packaged products.
Be wary of appealing offers that are not bargains.
Compare the unit price of organic foods and similar conventionally produced items.
Make your own preproportioned snacks.
Use coupons when purchasing brand-name items.
Limit your carbonated soft drink, commercially prepared coffee, energy drink, and bottled water purchases.

Food Storage

Check "sell by," "best if used by," or "use by" dates on packages of perishable foods such as eggs and dairy products.
Read food product labels for storage information.
Many products must be refrigerated after opening to delay spoilage.

Food and Nutrition Tips

Avoid shopping for groceries when you are hungry.
Be wary of buying food items that are displayed near or along checkout aisles.
Many perishable foods, such as shredded cheese and fluid fat-free milk, can be frozen.
Consider carrying a small thermos of coffee in your backpack.
Canned beans are often sold in large cans that may be cheaper per ounce than beans in smaller cans.
Grow your own herbs for fresh seasonings.
Share potluck dinners with friends.
Prepare a shopping list to help avoid needless or impulse purchases.

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Description

Discover practical ways to save money on food purchases while maintaining proper nutrition. Compare similar foods to determine the most economical product. Learn how to trim food costs without sacrificing nutrition.