Does Your “Recession Diet” Include Spam?
June 10, 2008 by Miranda Marquit
Filed under Finance
Not too long ago, I wrote about the “recession diet.” While we may not technically or officially be in a recession, many people are nevertheless feeling the pinch. And with food prices rising, it is no surprise that Spam is seeing an increase in sales (hat tip: Miki at Leadership Turn).
Yep, items that are considered “downgrades” are seeing a rise in popularity as households try to squeeze the most of their hard-earned dollars. Discount stores are seeing some success as well with people turning to the off-brands that are found at dollar stores and similar businesses.
Are you buying things differently because of new household budget constraints?
image credit: Matthew W. Jackson
I hate spam. Hate it.
But, that said, I’ve always bought some no-label (some of it I like better than brand labels – Cheerios for example). If things keep going the way they have been I’ll probably be buying a lot more no-label.
I’ve never actually had Spam. When I was growing up, my mom always made things from scratch, and I never got around to trying it before I married my husband, who is vehement in his dislike of Spam.
At any rate, we are cutting back on our brand name stuff. Getting the generic butter, and yogurt. But our cheese and milk are from the local dairy. Hmmm…maybe I should check the price list. Maybe I can start getting butter and yogurt from them as well…
I suppose that Spam qualifies as an affordable protein source at 21 cents an ounce, although when you’re living hungary you go use much cheapre food to fill the void, not the healthiest or best tasting. No surprise that the latest food studies have analyzd food cost-per-calorie and shown a direct link between rising obesity and and food price.
I agree with you on that! We’ve made room in our budget to keep getting the better food, because it’s important for us. But I know that others aren’t as lucky as we are. I remember when my husband and I first got married and had to buy the cheapest imaginable food. It is very depressing that you can get junk food for practically nothing, but grapes are $1.50 per pound.
Today I paid for a loaf of bread from the bakery and realised I was down to my last 10 cents until I get paid tomorrow. I am living on baked beans, scooping it out of a bowl with a spoon. No bread. It’s heaven.
I’m sorry. I hope that things start looking up. It’s rough to try and make the paycheck stretch. I’ve been there — and who knows: I might be there again.