Frugal Shoppers Avoid Common Store-Bought Convenience Foods

Many shoppers are seeking ways to reduce grocery bills, often by avoiding convenience foods that carry a premium price despite saving time, such as ready-to-pour stocks which are significantly more expensive than homemade versions made from leftover carcasses and vegetables. However, not all cost-saving measures are advisable; certain generic grocery items, like ketchup, cream cheese, chocolate chips, and salad dressings, often fall short on quality compared to brand-name products, making them less worth the savings. For picnic or barbecue foods, while some premade items like chips and buns are acceptable, homemade options such as coleslaw are typically fresher, cheaper, and tastier, especially when made with inexpensive ingredients like cabbage. Additionally, some popular restaurant items, such as Texas Roadhouse's pulled pork sandwich, have received criticism for poor taste, dryness, and unappealing presentation, suggesting diners might want to avoid them. Finally, while protein bars are trendy, not all budget-friendly options are palatable or enjoyable; for example, Aldi's Elevation MAXX Blueberry Bars were found to have an unpleasant texture and overpowering sweetness, leading reviewers to advise against purchasing them.