primitives discuss stupid food products

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/11575262

Oh my.

Oh man, I am really digging, but trust me, Skins's island is about as interesting as the Gobi desert today.

xfundy (1,619 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

Stupid "food" products? Highly unhealthy ones? Need your help, please.

1) Know anything others would benefit from knowing, such as potentially dangerous stuff in packaged or restaurant food? (Fast food with pink slime, for example.)

2) What's the DUMBEST packaged food product you've seen in the stores?

Some of my "faves" I've watched people buy include a single potato wrapped in plastic wrap with the "Microwave Ready!" sticker on it. They cost much more than the SAME potatoes, either singly or bagged, if you judge by weight. Reasons why I find this absurd:

• Do consumers not have plastic wrap at home?
• Do they consider the potato cleaner than they could get it themselves?
• Are people really willing to pay a LOT more for this "convenience" that would take them maybe a couple minutes at home? (YES.)

My latest find is Frozen Rice. Convenient? Sure, but. Saves maybe 10 minutes off cooking real rice with plain old water on the stove--time people could spend watching tee vee or anything else. I don't think this is a product for the rich, so why do they spend much more than a single bag of rice to buy it?

I'm trying to put together a book on the wasteful, deceptive, possibly even dangerous ways marketers will trick consumers into spending way too much money and getting less, even while getting toxic chemicals, etc.

I'm working on a book on this subject, not really a serious coffee table book, more of a quick reader. Some folks in another group know I'm writing a book on another topic. I'm actually working on three at once, a little every day.

The defrocked warped primitive, she with the face like Hindenberg's:

Warpy (62,143 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

1. Rice terrifies a lot of people because they have this absurd notion of how it should look every time it's cooked. That's not why you eat it, people. A little practice will get the proportions right and a timer makes sure you won't incinerate it. But still, they're scared someone will criticize them if it's over or under cooked or it's sticky or there's a tan layer on the bottom of the pot. While I find it an incredibly stupid thing to buy, I understand why so many people find it attractive.

The potato is something else. I even find frozen mashed potato silly as hell.

I also remember canned whole chickens. It was essentially a pressure cooked broiler, salted to death but with little other seasoning, five times as expensive as a chicken out of a case and I suppose convenient if one wanted cooked chicken in an instant for something else. But silly. You still had to take the chicken off the bone and it was tasteless as is.

Canned cooked carrots always bothered me because fresh carrots were available year round (they're good keepers) and the can turned them into tasteless mush. Fresh carrots are cheap, easy to grow and easy to harvest.

The potato, however, is probably the brainchild of someone who spent time in Japan, where perfect fruits are sorted out and elaborately gift wrapped to give as expensive gifts in a country where people don't generally have enough space to keep a lot of stuff. It shows the respect conferred by the expensive gift while not cluttering a tiny space with knickknacks. It's just a bad translation turning something already convenient into official convenience food.

You know, I was curious about something, and checked into the medical professionals whose licenses were suspended or revoked by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1989-2001.

Most were temporary suspensions, for like a few years or something.

One had to do something really bad, really foul, really criminal, really nefarious, to get a lifetime suspension.

Sorry to digress, but whatever for whatever that's worth.

xfundy (1,619 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

4. Excellent examples!

I haven't even noticed frozen mashed potatoes. YUK. As a kid I used to have nightmares about someone making me eat those nasty dehydrated "mashed potatoes.' The only thing they're good for is making fake ice cream for photo shoots, and that's outlawed because if it's a product shot it has to be real product. Of course the lights melt it really fast, so you have to have lots of it on hand, and the food stylist really has their work cut out for them.

I rarely go into the frozen section unless it's for plain old veggies or a pie crust (my crusts suck). Must make a trip back soon.

Canned carrots are very nasty!

Didn't consider the Japanese aspect! Japan is well known in product-design circles for making some of the best packaging. Thanks!

Denninmi (2,038 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

2. I nominate "Fruit by the Foot"

Which is actually up to 48% pure refined sugar by weight (depends on the flavor, but all are very high).

Bears about as much resemblance to real fruit as Sarah Palin does to a real human being.

Or about as much resemblance to real fruit as the Dennimi primitive is to real thought.

Suich (7,649 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

3. Frozen toast!

I think one is called Texas Toast, which is thick-cut bread.

I've seen those potatoes and had the same thoughts you did!

xfundy (1,619 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

6. Yes!

Many frozen breads are surely dumb, but I've bought them in the past, even TX Toast, for my dad, and he loves frozen biscuits, so I get those too, but just for him. He's in his late 80s and his arteries are 90% blocked with bacon, sausage, gravy, etc., so I figure he can eat whatever he likes, but I cook him lunch and dinner from scratch, never adding salt or too much fat, at least six days a week.

As to the people who routinely buy the TX Toast and other wastes, even if they had an automatic machine that coated thick slices of white bread into a vat of butter, chemical goo, fat, butter and lard, I bet they'd still buy it. YUK.

Another stupid thing I used to buy before I got less dumb was frozen french fries. I mean, damn.

Tesha (19,606 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

7. Lunchables...

high salt,
high calorie,
high chemical,
low quality

and my grandkids thing they're wonderful.

GoCubsGo (8,249 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

9. Those are the worst.

They don't even look good.

xfundy (1,619 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

10. That's modern branding at work.

Kids see that garbage on tv in dayparts kids are most likely to see. Along with McDonald's garbage, cereals, shoes, toys (especially beginning in late Fall). Lunchables are nasty, nasty packages of way-overpriced, overpackaged crap that's FULL of preservatives, which benefit only the manufacturer in every case, regardless of the food. Having no kids, I haven't looked at whether any of them can or should be microwaved--I doubt it, and hope not.

xfundy (1,619 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

11. GAHHH! I forgot about those!

Little packages of potato chips, 100 calorie packs of snacks, little bitty bags of candy--now available all year long! ALL of this crap costs so much more than buying a big bag and simply putting a little into separate bags to pack a kid's lunch. And marketers know that—that's why they do it!

Another thing that gets me is individual apple slices, dipped in chemicals then wrapped up in a plastic bag. YICK. You can cut an apple with a plastic knife if you dislike biting directly into it. But no, we're just too lazy!

Cairycat (471 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

12. Many of these "foods" are things I see in the kids' lunches in my school every day. You forgot the sickly-sweet yogurt in tubes that kids can't open by themselves. I'm just a lunch lady, so therefore am stupid in the eyes of many DUers, but I don't quite see how a lunch consisting of a Lunchable, or a bologna sandwich, packet of fruit snacks (which are really candy made with fruit juice), one of the above-mentioned yogurt tubes, and an individual pack of Pringles - is a healthier lunch than what I'll be serving today: whole-grain breadsticks with mozzerella inside, marinara sauce, a tossed salad, box of raisins, and a small (4 oz) cup of orange sherbet. Is it perfect? No. But I don't see how you can say a bunch of processed crap is soooo much better than the lunch that has to meet guidelines for nutrients. Are some kids' lunches more nutritious than what I serve? Yes, a few, but they are in the minority, even in my middle class district.

Cairycat (471 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

13. Oh, and the already-made peanut butter & jelly sandwiches

Peanut butter isn't allowed in our school any more, but when it was it always astonished me to see how many parents couldn't be bothered to spread some peanut butter on some bread, but would throw these pre-packaged "Uncrustables" in their kid's lunch.

pipoman (7,177 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

14. Peanut butter isn't allowed?

Cairycat (471 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

15. No. There is a student who has a very severe allergy.

Severe enough that the student's life would be put at risk coming into contact with peanut particles on someone's breath, or traces left on doors, etc. That student has the right to a public education. The other children may have as much peanut butter as they want, just not in school.

HopeHoops (26,387 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

16. Rice is simple to cook. Dumbest? Wow, now THERE's a challenge. So many choices.

hedgehog (26,006 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

17. I know I really shouldn't buy it, but I find that the pre-washed tossed salad greens get eaten, while a head of lettuce tends to go bad.

surrealAmerican (5,333 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

18. Microwave popcorn:

It really isn't that hard to make popcorn without the toxic packaging and "artificial butter flavor". It's a whole lot cheaper to pop it on the stove in a pot.

[Flame]

There are a bunch of stupid food products out there...but these DUmmies act so high and mighty, when I'm willing to bet they have some of these in their kitchens right now!

It's called convenience...that's what brought most of these around.  Again, all things in moderation...I've bought some of those things before, to save time.  But since they are usually so much more expensive, I don't do it very often.

But I will agree with the Uncrustables...I mean, how hard is it to slap some peanut butter on bread?

[DumbAss Tanker]

I can see the frozen rice, actually, some people just suck at making it come out fully cooked but not overcooked, or are afraid they will suck at it, and as long as they're willing to pay for the precooked, more power to 'em.

[thundley4]

Some of the most stupid products are those labeled "organic" or "all natural" . Most of the time there is little difference between them and the regular products, but idiots will sure pay a premium for those little words on something.

[Karin]

I agree with them on those Lunchables, mainly because I don't think they would fill anyone up.  Cheese and crackers are what you munch before dinner.  I also agree with that stupid "froot" stuff.   I disagree with that guy on the microwave popcorn.  Nothing wrong with that, when you don't want to haul out equipment.  

They would cluck at me for buying Bob Evan's mashed potatoes.  For just two people, I don't feel like peeling, cutting, boiling, whirring.  Forget it, after working all day?  Heat em up.  They're great.  

Did you notice the cafeteria lady getting all defensive about her job?  I wonder why?  I thought DU was just chock full of kind liberals, who make everyone feel welcome and special.  

[jukin]

Seriously, how would the DUches live without other people?

When we started coddling DUchebags we ceased evolving as a species.

[thundley4]

These same DUmmies bemoaning the prepared foods are the same ones that have to buy every little new and improved kitchen gadget.

[BlueStateSaint]

These same DUmmies bemoaning the prepared foods are the same ones that have to buy every little new and improved kitchen gadget.

Not only that, but said kitchen gadgets have one use only.

[debk]

I too agree on the Lunchables....the sodium and calorie content in those things is ridiculous.

Uncrustables? I'm not a crust fan, but that's easily solved by just not eating it. To buy a peanut butter sandwich with it pre-cut off, again is ridiculous.

With a lot of the other stuff, it's not just a convenience issue to have in the freezer when I want it, but also a "waste" issue.

Unless I am having company, for me to buy a whole bag of potatoes, (which I absolutely detest peeling), I end up throwing out what I didn't use, because we don't eat potatoes that often. It's easier for me to keep a bag or two of hashbrowns in the freezer, to use for potato soup, or the frozen mashed ones (OreIdas are good) that I zap in the microwave, and mash with butter and sour cream. They are there went I want them and haven't spoiled because I didn't use them in time. I buy the Bob Evans to jazz up and use in shepherd's pie, and they freeze well too.

Same thing with Texas toast. I don't use it very often, but I got really tired of throwing out half a loaf of fresh Italian or French bread. I always have Sister Shubert rolls in the freezer. I buy the big bags of them at Sam's and take out what I know we will eat at dinner and maybe a few extra for the next day.

I do think a lot of people buy the convenience foods for taking to work. Even as expensive as they are, they are still cheaper than fast food or from the machines at work. Where I work, they have a service with a kiosk that brings in "fresh deli" sandwiches and desserts. OMG, the prices on them!!! About 6 ounces of pudding or yogurt is $2.50-3.50! I went to get a half of a hoagie sandwich the other night and it was $4.75! I got a snack bag of Reese's cups instead. Damn things were $2.79.    I usually take baggies of snacks from home, but was working a 10 hr shift and wanted something nutritional. I figured chocolate and peanut butter covered enough food groups to qualify.  

[ConservativeMobster]

Some of the most stupid products are those labeled "organic" or "all natural" . Most of the time there is little difference between them and the regular products, but idiots will sure pay a premium for those little words on something.

Remember the peanut "paste" recall recently?  KASHI brand was one of the user of that "paste".  Silly "all natural" food freaks totally gave them a pass.

[vesta111]

Remember the peanut "paste" recall recently?  KASHI brand was one of the user of that "paste".  Silly "all natural" food freaks totally gave them a pass.

First thing I noticed in the south working in hospitals and nursing homes was this strange stuff served to the patients, canned sliced Okra.  Double and tripple Yuck, the slime was awful.  Who in their right mind would put that in their mouth???

One night at a beer party along came this fried thing, delicious, what is this--- whole Okra breaded and fried.
Then the steamed whole Okra covered in butter and salt-----Yumbo.  No slime whats so ever.

Whole Okra fresh or frozen is if prepared right a joy to the taste buds.    The shit in the cans are a insult and a demonic try to keep us from a true delight.  A Pox apon those that sell canned Okra to public instituitions, 3/4 of the country has never eaten Okra, one look at the caned stuff will insure that. 

Rise up fans of Okra, get the word out that this is a desirable vegie to add to everyones table.   Go picket the companys that can Okra, only people that eat their goods are those with no choice.    Prisons, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Schools and the Military.

 

 

[Celtic Rose]

I can see the frozen rice, actually, some people just suck at making it come out fully cooked but not overcooked, or are afraid they will suck at it, and as long as they're willing to pay for the precooked, more power to 'em.

I've bought frozen rice.  Pop a bag in a microwave for 3 minutes and get 2 cups of perfectly cooked rice compared to 20 minutes or so cooking it on the stove or in a rice cooker.  When I think ahead I'll cook rice the night before and stick in the fridge, but frozen rice is hugely convenient.

[Boudicca]

Years ago I saw what I thought, and still believe, is the worst stupid food product, to wit, a small carton of milk plastic wrapped with a paper bowl, plastic spoon and one of those one-serving size boxes of cereal.
Who in the heck can't open a box of cold cereal and pour some milk over it?
Haven't seen this in a long time now, so apparently people weren't dumb enough to pay triple for what they already pay too much for when it comes to the dry cereal part anyway.  Milk, imo, is still reasonably priced.

[GOBUCKS]

There's nothing in the grocery store DUmber than bottled water.

[franksolich]

There's nothing in the grocery store DUmber than bottled water.

Yeah, that, but also these "energy drinks."

They cost a couple of bucks when an ordinary cup of coffee is only fifty cents, and coffee's better.

[Chris_]

Yeah, that, but also these "energy drinks."

They cost a couple of bucks when an ordinary cup of coffee is only fifty cents, and coffee's better.

I'll back you up 100% on that. 

Give me a cup of coffee (I'll even take decaf) over that stuff. 

[franksolich]

I'll back you up 100% on that. 

Give me a cup of coffee (I'll even take decaf) over that stuff. 

I've never in my life bothered with one of those "energy drinks"--geezuz, three bucks for that little tiny "five hour" stuff--but I do know they actually provide less of a "lift" than coffee.

[Chris_]

I tried one.  Once.  It tasted like melted lollipops and corn syrup. 

The five-hour-energy things are marketed as "natural supplements" but I've never tried one of them either.  I might be tempted to buy one if the ingredients are listed on the label.

[GOBUCKS]

Yeah, that, but also these "energy drinks."

They cost a couple of bucks when an ordinary cup of coffee is only fifty cents, and coffee's better.

Granted, the "energy drinks" are even DUmber than bottled water, but so far only a handful of nitwits buy them.

You see half the people in the store buying bottled water, and no one would be the wiser if they were filled from a spigot in the back of the store.

[Ballygrl]

There's nothing in the grocery store DUmber than bottled water.

Oh, we use tons of it, but we also don't have the best water either, and it's easier to just grab a bottle and go. We buy cases at BJ's and the price is pretty good.

[BlueStateSaint]

About three years ago, I was falling asleep at my work station at noonish, so I went out and bought a 5-Hour-Energy "shot," and drank the whole thing almost immediately.  I was at about 50,000 feet for the next few hours, and as I laid in bed that night and saw "11:05 PM" on the clock, I thought that I'd never do that again.  I prefer coffee, before noon, and only two or three cups for the day--the erosion in my esophagus won't take much more than that without barking in my chest.  Dunkin' Donuts has an awesome mint hot chocolate that I drink after the coffee.

[vesta111]

About three years ago, I was falling asleep at my work station at noonish, so I went out and bought a 5-Hour-Energy "shot," and drank the whole thing almost immediately.  I was at about 50,000 feet for the next few hours, and as I laid in bed that night and saw "11:05 PM" on the clock, I thought that I'd never do that again.  I prefer coffee, before noon, and only two or three cups for the day--the erosion in my esophagus won't take much more than that without barking in my chest.  Dunkin' Donuts has an awesome mint hot chocolate that I drink after the coffee.

Well water in some states have so much sulphur in it drinking it is more like chewing through it.    Twice I lived in areas where the water was undrinkable, SO, I went to the local cemetery's that for some reason had fresh spring water for visitors to water plants grave side. The UP of Michigan and Eastern Tenn.   

Chicago airport  had drinking fountains way back when, the water had not only an odd taste but a light yellow tint.  Damn, this is had to be recently recycled pee.

Energy drinks, bought a can of some kind of soda, got so hopped up on it that when a car crash closed the road, I a non in your face woman, marched over to yell at the victims of the wreck.

  Grave yard shift we did down the 5 hour stuff, no choice, a fact that between 3-5 am blood pressure drops for patients and care givers. Why, who knows but we on a quiet night decided to see if this was true and by golly for us Nurses it sure was.   Internal clock tells us to sleep at that time, even years of working this schedule one still is fighting the biological problem.  Takes natural Adrenalin, bright lights and constant brain activity to over ride the body's clock, or lots of chemical stimulants.     

[Karin]

Yeah, EC once said that those 5 hour energy things kept her up till 3 am.  No thanks, I hate insomnia.

That bottled water is essential if the municipal water is awful.  I was visiting my sister, and her water tasted like pure sulphur.  It made you nauseated.  She saw nothing wrong with it.  I bought a case of huge bottles. 

The rice I like to use is those Uncle Ben's 90 second ones in an envelope.  Comes out perfect and 90 seconds can't be beat.  I just don't like to stovetop boil it, it always seems so pasty. 

GOBUCKS, by using the ignore function, you missed Vesta's homage to okra.   

[GOBUCKS]

GOBUCKS, by using the ignore function, you missed Vesta's homage to okra. 

In my world, vestanumbers and okra occupy the same compartment.

[NHSparky]

Granted, the "energy drinks" are even DUmber than bottled water, but so far only a handful of nitwits buy them.

You see half the people in the store buying bottled water, and no one would be the wiser if they were filled from a spigot in the back of the store.

Well, I guess I'm a nitwit then.  I don't drink them often, but once in a while I'll do a Red Bull sugarfree or a 5-hour energy drink, especially on day 5 or 6 of 12-hour shifts, when your ass starts REALLY dragging.