Here are some things I would never buy and the reasons why
Pre-made packet flavouring mixes
I never buy pre-made packet flavouring mixes for things like shepherd’s pie or sausage casserole. Why? Usually, all they are is a mix of herbs and spices, with a little added seasoning, combined with simple thickeners like wheat flour. You can easily recreate these flavour combinations at home.
Pancake batter mixes
I never buy pre-mixed pancake batter in a handy shaker. Why? Often, these pancake batter mixes are just made from sugar, wheat flour, salt, and milk powder (some also have egg powder) Most of the ingredients above you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard.
Microwave popcorn.
I never buy microwave popcorn. Why? It’s so quick, easy and cheap to make your own popcorn in a large pan. It also tastes way nicer. All you need is some popcorn kernels and a little oil, and a large lidded saucepan.
You usually can find popcorn kernels on the same shelf at the supermarket as things like lentils and couscous (which is often near the herbs and spices!)
Packet Cake Mixes
I never buy packet cake mixes. Why? Have you seen the vast list of ingredients, most of which you can’t find in your grandma’s kitchen cupboard? It’s just so ultra-processed and you usually still need to add things like eggs and or oil. Homemade cakes are usually made from just butter, eggs, sugar, flour, a little baking powder and a drop or two of vanilla extract
Oil in plastic bottles
I never buy oil in plastic bottles because oil keeps better in glass bottles, especially dark coloured glass bottles. This is because it doesn’t tend to oxidise as quickly. It is also possible for plastic to leach into the oil, especially if the bottle is kept in bright light or hot temperatures, or stored for lengthy periods of time.
Things with high-protein written on them.
I never buy things enhanced with protein, like high-protein wraps, bars, shakes etc. . Why? Often, they have just had something like whey powder added, making them ultra-processed. If I want extra protein in my diet, I buy things like chicken, fish, beef, eggs, lentils, beans, tofu etc which are naturally high in protein.
Pre-grated bags of cheese.
I never buy bags of pre-grated cheese. Why? They often have potato starch or other things added to them to stop them sticking in the bag. They can sometimes also have an unusual texture. They also tend to be terribly expensive compared to blocks of cheese that you can grate yourself.
Cheddar and other hard cheeses can be grated in advance and frozen until needed. If you have a food processor, these often have grating attachments that are easy to use.
Low-Fat Mayonnaise
I would never buy low-fat mayonnaise as it has so many ingredients that can’t be found in my grandma’s kitchen cupboard, it tends to be full of stabilisers, emulsifiers and other rubbish. Full-fat mayo has under 10 ingredients, all of which you would have in your kitchen cupboards, no doubt.
Plastic tubs for storing food in.
I would never buy plastic tubs for storing food in, Why? They often end up tainting your food with a plastic-y taste/ There is also concern over bpa leaching into your food and drink from plastics that aren’t bpa-free. Glass tubs are way better.
Learn more about BPA and its effect on food https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa
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