NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Households pinching pennies are turning to ultra-cheap, few-ingredient “struggle meals” as grocery costs remain a top pain point. An August AP-NORC poll found a majority of adults now call groceries a major source of stress, and many have even used buy-now-pay-later for essentials.
Searches for “struggle meal” hit a record high in September, and #strugglemeals posts are climbing on Instagram and TikTok, reflecting a wave of budget-cooking content.
Online, the genre runs from rice-and-egg bowls and ramen hacks to skillet “helpers.” Tastemade’s long-running Struggle Meals series with Frankie Celenza anchors the space on YouTube, while creators like Dollar Tree Dinners have gone viral with ultra-low-budget holiday menus. Nutrition voices caution that many recipes skew low in protein and fiber and high in sodium, urging simple add-ins (beans, eggs, frozen veg) to balance plates rather than abandon thrifty cooking altogether.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The trend points to steady demand for low-cost staples—such as rice, pasta, tortillas, eggs, and canned goods—and value lines, creating opportunities for producers and retailers positioned on price.
I gar-on-tee this berry cobbler’s so good, it’ll have ya grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater!
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A down-home, one-pot wonder with a Cajun kick.
This is the basic roux. Cajuns will say that a finished roux shines. This is the only roux recipe you’ll ever need — I GARONTEE!
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All your cheeseburger faves—on a pizza! Beef, bacon, pickles, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s bold, beefy, and totally crave-worthy.
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