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.
Egg prices have been on a roller coaster this year, soaring sky-high and falling back down to Earth in just a few months.
September 19, 2023 12:41 PM
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Chefs Chris Carter and James Peisker believe we have the power to make the world a better place with every meal. Through Porter Road butcher, they are now turning this belief into reality.
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RFD-TV’s own Marlin Bohling proved he is more than “just Ken” with his yummy “BarBieQuacamole Taco Burgers.” Get the recipe here — it’s a 10!
August 17, 2023 02:20 PM
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In June, prices were down 77% compared to the highest weekly price in 2022.
Posterity Cider Works is focusing on quality with their ciders. In this clip, Brendan Barnard and Trevor chat about developing flavors with different apples and how older varieties of apples change over time.
According to the USDA Outlook Board, margins could improve for producers depending on a decrease in cases of High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI).
March 29, 2023 08:16 AM
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February 15, 2023 11:36 AM
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