A person’s grocery cart is a window into their world, and a cart filled exclusively with frozen and canned goods tells a very specific story. While there is nothing wrong with these products, a diet that relies entirely on them can be a sign of a modern lifestyle that is under a great deal of pressure. The choice to bypass the fresh produce and meat sections is often a rational response to the real-world challenges of time, money, and skill. This is what your cart of non-perishable goods says about your life.
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You Are Extremely Busy
The number one reason for a cart full of frozen and canned food is a lack of time. For a person who is working multiple jobs, is a single parent, or has a long and difficult commute, the idea of cooking a meal from scratch every night is an impossible luxury. Frozen pizzas, microwaveable dinners, and canned soups offer a quick and easy solution. They are the fuel for a life that is being lived in the fast lane.
You Are on a Very Tight Budget
Frozen and canned goods are, on average, much cheaper than their fresh counterparts. They are a cornerstone of any budget-conscious shopping trip. For a family that is living paycheck to paycheck or a student on a tight budget, these items offer the most calories for the least amount of money. A cart filled with these items is a sign of a person who is making smart, rational decisions to stretch their food budget as far as it can go.
You May Be a Novice Cook
Cooking with fresh ingredients can be intimidating for a person who does not have a lot of experience in the kitchen. A fear of wasting expensive fresh produce or of not knowing how to cook a piece of meat properly can be a major barrier. Frozen and canned foods are much more forgiving. They come with simple, foolproof instructions, which make them a safe and accessible option for a beginner cook.
You Are Prioritizing a Long Shelf Life
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A diet of non-perishable foods is also a sign of a person who values predictability and a long shelf life. This could be a person who is a “prepper,” stocking up for a future emergency. It could also be a person who lives in a rural area and can only get to a large grocery store once or twice a month. For them, a cart full of canned and frozen goods is a practical and necessary choice.
A Portrait of Modern Life
A shopping cart filled with only frozen and canned foods is a poignant portrait of the pressures of modern life. It is a sign of a world where our time is limited, our budgets are tight, and our stress levels are high. While a diet rich in fresh foods is the ideal, it is not always the reality. For many people, the convenience and affordability of these non-perishable items are not just a choice; they are a necessity.
Do you rely heavily on frozen or canned foods for your weekly meals? What is your favorite go-to convenience food? Let us know in the comments!
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