SubjectFree lesson

CONVENIENCE FOODS

ClassNotes Team 2 MIN READUPDATED 16 JUN 2026

FOOD AND NUTRITION SSS2 THIRD TERM

WEEK 1 – 2

CONVENIENCE FOODS

CONTENT

(1) Definition of convenience foods

(ii) Forms of convenience food (iv) Uses of convenience foods

(v) Advertises of convenience foods

(vi) Guidelines for selecting convenience foods

DEFINITION

Convenience foods are foods that have been processed and preserved to reduce or eliminate the amount of preparation and cooking that may be required. They are usually sold in packets, tins, and bottles. Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and cereals are available in convenience foods.

FORMS OF CONVENIENCE FOODS

Convenience foods are available in many forms:-

(1) Packed foods: These are specially packed already cooked foods at their final stage of consumption e.g cakes, biscuits, ready-cooked cereals e.t.c

(2) Canned foods: - These are foods which have been processed and sealed in cans e.g. tomato purees, sardines, milk, and corned beef. e.t.c

(3) Frozen foods:- these are foods which are washed and frozen and ready for use. e.g meat, pies, poultry, fish.

(4) Dehydrated foods. These are foods in which the moisture content has been reduced e.g flakes soup, instant tea, biscuits etc.

USES OF CONVENIENCE FOODS

(1) Convenience foods are used to improvise the nutritive quality of food

(2) They are used as a flavouring and at times as colouring

(3) They are sometimes used as main dishes

(4) Some are used as appetizers

ADVANTAGES OF CONVENIENCE FOODS

(1) Convenience foods save time and energy

(2) Convenience foods make food preparation and cooking faster

(3) They reduce wastage

(4) They are easy to store

(5) It makes the planning of meals easier because they are in ready supply.

DISADVANTAGES OF CONVENIENCE FOODS

(1) Some of the nutrients have been destroyed e.g. water-soluble vitamins are in canned foods.

(2) Some of them are expensive.

GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION OF CONVENIENCE FOODS

(1) The cost of convenience foods must be put into consideration.