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.
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
November 03, 2025 12:07 PM
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America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.
November 01, 2025 09:01 AM
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High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
November 01, 2025 06:54 AM
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U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
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With core input inflation still hovering high, growers and retailers should plan pricing and promotions with tighter margins in mind — target early sales, leverage bundle deals, and secure logistics ahead of peak Halloween demand.
October 30, 2025 10:54 AM
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Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.
October 29, 2025 03:11 PM
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While there has been an increase in outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) this migration season, the CDC says the public health risk is low.
October 29, 2025 01:21 PM
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The idea of buying more beef from Argentina does not sit well with much of farm country, raising some questions from analysts and producers.
October 28, 2025 01:20 PM
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Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
October 27, 2025 11:51 AM
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