Ready-Made, Really? Analyzing Convenience Foods
In Ready-Made, Really? Analyzing Convenience Foods, presenter Ruth Goodman explores the changes in United Kingdom cuisine when ready-made curries became available. Learn how microwave dinners changed the way British people ate, and how companies and home cooks worked together to make these meals delicious and authentic. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Inside the Factory, a series that takes viewers behind the scenes in the factories that make our favorite products.
Lesson Express
Q: How did convenience foods change what British people were eating? Can you think of a comparable change in the U.S.?
A: Convenience meals provided curries and Indian dishes to British people. Students may mention how microwavable meals made it easier for Americans to heat up a dinner instead of cooking from scratch.
Q: How did the company Marks and Spencer improve their curry dinners?
A: They got feedback and input from a home chef who made delicious Indian food.
Q: What are the pros and cons of processed or convenience foods?
A: Student responses will vary.