what prepackaged foods do you still buy?

**Sara Noel** · 06-09-2005, 09:00 AM

but could make yourself?

Every once in a while I still buy taco seasoning packets and fajita seasoning packets.

I really should mix up my own.

**daddys3chicks** · 06-09-2005, 09:03 AM

Bisquik, taco seasoning, dressing mix, cake mix, ric mixes.

We are probably worse about buying frozen convenience foods - frozen Banquet dinners and stuff. However, it does come in handy when I don't want to cook, and is still cheaper than eating out. PLus, we like to keep those little Michaelinas meals on hand because DD#1 can make her own!

**halo475** · 06-09-2005, 09:32 AM

interesting thread...non that I can think of off the top of my head, but Prego spag. sauce...I will have to go look in the pantry, and then come back and post what I find

**QuilterMom** · 06-09-2005, 10:01 AM

Chili seasoning mix, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce.

**Mamawolf** · 06-09-2005, 10:09 AM

I still buy packaged cake mix. With coupons I can get it cheaper than I can make it. Same with spaghetti sauce. I also keep on hand a frozen lasagna from the store for times when I can't cook something up real quick, or aren't feeling well enough to.

**homesteadmamma** · 06-09-2005, 10:13 AM

Cake mixes (whole wheat doesn't make a cake taste too good), spaghetti sauce, salad dressing

**halo475** · 06-09-2005, 10:25 AM

I am back...and here is what I found

Pizza Sauce
Instant potatoes-for those really lazy nights-not used very often
Tomato soup
Hard (crisp) Taco Shells
Mac and cheese

That's about all I found

**Emerald_Mommy** · 06-09-2005, 12:21 PM

Seems like I buy a lot more than you all

I manage to keep my grocery bill pretty small though. I like to keep t.v. dinners for dh to take for lunch if he's subbing or to eat when we're really busy because it's still cheaper than eating out. If I could just get motivated to do some oamc that wouldn't be an issue. We like the Kroger brand mac & cheese better than homemade and at $.55 a box I hardly consider it an extravagance.

We also keep some packaged foods that we don't normally eat, like soft drinks for our friends who drink them and cake mix/icing for those occasions we have to take something to church and don't have much time.

So, in short, we're still working on this!

**setfirefliesfree** · 06-09-2005, 12:26 PM

Originally posted by homesteadmamma
Cake mixes (whole wheat doesn't make a cake taste too good), spaghetti sauce, salad dressing

**Mom23boys** · 06-09-2005, 12:39 PM

~cereal
~spaghetti sauce
~taco seasoning
~cake mix

**pamy** · 06-09-2005, 12:51 PM

I have no idea how many times I have printed off copies of 'how to make rice pilaf' but I continue to buy the mix.

**YankeeMom** · 06-09-2005, 01:53 PM

I never really thought of things like spaghetti sauce as convenience foods. When I think of convenience foods, I think more along the lines of those meals in a box/can or cake mix, etc.

Spaghetti sauce (?) - although at 3cents per oz, I can't see putting in the effort to make my own and have it *maybe* turn out.
seasoning mixes (tacos, onion soup mix)
canned soups (cream of, tomato)
cake mix/frosting
bisquick
salad dressing

**Mojjo** · 06-09-2005, 02:17 PM

salad dressing
mac and cheese
instant mashed

I have a great spaghetti sauce recipe and I'll make a ton and then we just freeze it.

**halo475** · 06-09-2005, 03:17 PM

I forgot to add cereal...

I buy cornflakes-Name brand-Rice Krispies-off brand and Raisin Bran also store brand

The first 2 mostly for treat making, and the raisin bran because the vegetarian in the house likes to eat it for dinner occasionally.

Salad dressing-mayonaise and miracle whip and tossed salad dressings as well, but mostly Good Seasons which is a mix, and I could make it, but I get it for about .02Â¢ a package, so it is a very frugal dressing in my house.

Saltine Crackers

**AmyMCGS** · 06-09-2005, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by YankeeMom
I never really thought of things like spaghetti sauce as convenience foods. When I think of convenience foods, I think more along the lines of those meals in a box/can or cake mix, etc. 

  Me, too.   I regularly buy spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, cold cereal, cake mixes, etc.  and don't consider them convienience foods.  I can and have made most of those from scratch (everything but cereal), but, with the time and effort involved, I'd rather buy those things.

Things that I consider convenience foods that I buy:

Taco Seasoning packets  (usually free with double coupons)

Frozen Precooked Smoked Chicken Breast Strips--  I buy these at Sam's Club in a big bag for super fast lunch wraps, salads, etc.-- I cringe every time I buy these, but, the convenience factor always wins out.

Frozen Pizzas on occasion

Frozen Dinners (lasagna, Chinese food)  for nights when we're rushed-- I also freeze my own, but, still buy boxed once in a while on sale

some canned soups   (I can't make my own "Dora" shaped noodles, lol!)

Oh... and those rice pouches that are already cooked.  That stuff is great!   I buy them on sale or with coupons.   I know I could make my own rice cheaper, but, I tend to overcook it, so, I really love those pouches. 