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.
Dis rice isn’t that wild, no, but it is a delicious rice!
A rich, old-fashioned bread pudding made with brandy, raisins, and vanilla—baked until golden and full of warm Southern flavor, just like Justin liked it!
Tender beef shanks slow-baked with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a wine-spiked Cajun sauce—sealed in a cooking bag to lock in every bit of bold, savory flavor.
Justin Wilson’s Peanut Butter Baked Beef Brisket is a rich, tender roast slow-baked with a savory peanut butter sauce. You’ll love this bold twist on classic braised brisket, garontee!
Justin Wilson’s Apple Cobbler is pure Southern comfort—sweet, spiced, pecan-crusted, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’ll knock your socks off, I garontee!
This quirky twist on Southern potato salad (without potatoes) skips the spuds but keeps all the flavor! You’ll love this classic Justin Wilson recipe.
Cooked low and slow with wine, garlic, and just enough cayenne to make ya sweat a little—I gar-on-tee Justin Wilson’s Crawfish Maque Choux recipe will have you comin’ back for seconds (and thirds)!
