#RANT#

[Admiral Huddy]

Despite the fact I've always been a keen and regular cook (when i get the time) I don't visit these pages much which is a shame. However, I have a a little rant... Actually it's a big ****ing rant!!!!

I'm speaking of all these bloody cooking programs on the TV at the moment. Years ago, it used to be a select few but now they're on evey bloody night.

I don't actually have a problem with them.. The F* word is pretty good.. The problem I have with these programs is that they have made cooking into a "Fasionable trend" so you can't tell me that this "Fashion" hasn't contributed to the rising cost of basic food stuffs in the super market. Notice I said "Contribute" as I'm pretty aware that there are over factors that decide the retail cost. However, It's like everything that becomes trendy has it's price.. and the retailers, the supermarkets in theis case, bloody know it.!!!!!

Gyms that were once "spit and saw dust sweat houses", visited by really only thoese wanting to get fit.. are now all poncy to make way for the iPod joggers in their masses and because they have become "fashionable" and we have to pay for this.

I see the same thing happening in the kitchen!!

#Rant over#

[LeperousDust]

I haven't personally noticed a price rise myself, but you do see loads of extra things appearing, quick sauces with chefs names on them etc... So you can cook exactly what they cook on the TV, but pay through the nose for it...

[Admiral Huddy]

You've not noticed rising prices in the supermarkets?? I'll bring a van up!

[BBx]

He's a student... he probably gets all the Tesco Value anyway

BB x

[Pheebs]

9p noodles are no longer 9p though! Boooooooooooo!

*glad she isn't a student anymore*

[LeperousDust]

Originally Posted by BBelle

He's a student... he probably gets all the Tesco Value anyway

BB x

Pretty much, if you want cheap, cheap is still cheap it seems!

My 5p curry sauce has went up to 9p which is quite a rise, but thats all i've noticed!

Also Lidl hasn't got any dearer that i've noticed... You can still get decent supplies in most cases cheap. Saying this i spent ~£70 at ASDA on "fundamentals" last time i was there I dont think i got much for my money then, but i wasn't buying my usual stuff...

[Mark]

The rise in costs of most everyday foodstuffs has far more to do with rising transportation costs and soaring overseas demand for raw materials like rice and wheat.

The 'cookery show' effect applies to the slightly more unusual or more specific. For example, all this publicity about battery chickens has undoubtedly pushed up the demand for free range - though whether it'll last as the times get tougher is another matter. Then there's the 'fads' for the more unusual ingredients and recipes that appear on the shows and cause everyone to run down the local supermarket and buy the latest must-have, only to use it once or twice and then forget about it.

So yes, to a point, but a relatively small point compared to the bigger picture.

[Will]

For me alone I spend close to £50-60 a week. But then again I don't buy crap. I don;'t think the rising costs of food are necessarily to do with trendiness, I think there is a) more expense in production of food b) stem mileages are getting greater and more expensive c) overheads are increasing d) profit margins are decreasing so prices are trying to reflect a positive yield e) there will always be fashion fads, but overall food is more expensive if you buy good quality stuff. However even the "cheap" stuff isn't so cheap anymore.

[Glaucus]

It might of gone up but it really hasn't gone up much. Like a few £ a week max. Just have to start cooking sensibly. I've started buying much better and more expensive produce yet have slashed my food bills.
By cooking in "bulk" then freezing meals.

What annoys me is most cookery programs are rubbish. I wish there where more like river cottage, f-word, blumeanthal where they actually show you techniques, produce and other interesting stuff. Not just how to cook a normal meal in 20mins.

[Will]

^^ agreed entirely.