Food: More For Your Money (2nd Ed, 1989)

Use this leader to focus the picture and adjust the sound volume. The film will then be ready for correct projection. [Music] Where do you look for the best values in food? Is the largest size always the most economical? Is fresh a better buy than can? What about frozen? What about convenience foods? With all these choices, how do you get the most good food for your money? Food is one of the most important things on which we spend our money. We also have to consider fiber, fat, and nutritional value. But with so many different foods available, how can we be sure we're getting the most food and the most nutrition for our money? Well, there are ways to do just that. In this film, we'll visit a few experienced shoppers and have a look at how they go about getting more from their food budgets. Let's start with Cheryl, who's getting ready to go to the market. >> Hello there. Oh, I'm sorry to startle you. >> Excuse me. This is a little bizarre. Do I know you? >> Well, no you don't. But you see, I'm a film host. Perfectly harmless. >> Okay. What are you doing here? >> Well, we're looking into how people can get more food and more nutrition for their money. I was hoping you could give us a few suggestions. >> I see. Well, maybe. >> Well, I thought since you're going to the market. >> Yes, I am. And since I do most of the shopping for my whole family, you know, my mother and brothers and everybody, I could probably give you some really good tips. I'm ready. >> Okay. To start out, I always make a list. A list keeps me from buying things impulsively. >> I know. Buying things you don't really need because it seems like a good idea at the time. >> Exactly. So, I make my list here at home where I can check to see what's already in the house and then what I need. >> Good tip. Now, what do you have here? >> Oh, food ads from the newspaper so I can check out all the specials and sales. Sometimes they'll even have coupons to help me save more. I also get coupons in the mail. And all this helps me to compare and evaluate. >> Compare and evaluate. >> Yes, I like to compare and evaluate the store specials before I go. Then I like to plan some menus based on the bargains in the paper and how long it'll be before I get to go to the store again. >> All this planning sounds like it could take a lot of time. >> Not really. Since I already know what I want when I get to the store, I save time and money. >> Well, thanks for the pointers. Good suggestions. >> You're welcome. Anything else I can help you with? >> That's it for now. >> Drop in anytime. >> Thank you. >> Those were good points. Plan your menus, see what you already have, check the ads and coupons, then make a list. Now, let's see what we might learn at the market. Hello there. Uh, hello there. >> Oh, hi. I was checking out the cereal. Can I help you with something? >> Well, yes. You see, I'm a film host. And >> film host? >> Yes. We're making a film about how to get more food for your money. And I'd like to ask you a few questions. >> Why not? I hope I have some answers for you. >> Now, to start, how did you decide to pick this larger size cereal instead of a smaller one? >> Oh, that's easy. I compare and evaluate. There are those words again. >> I'm sorry. >> Compare and evaluate. >> Oh, definitely. That's the key to getting more for your money. I checked out the unit prices. >> Unit prices. >> The unit price is the price per measure like this. Unit pricing makes it easier to compare different brands and different sizes of the same product so you can tell which is the best buy. >> Sounds good. Continue. >> It works like this. The store finds a certain measure or unit that a certain product has in common, such as ounces. Then they figure out what the price would be for that amount of the product. >> So in this case, the unit price is the price per ounce. >> That's it. The cost of the cereal in the small box is more per ounce than the same cereal in the bigger box. So the larger size is cheaper. >> Question. Is the largest size always the best buy? >> Usually, but not always. First, you have to figure whether you can conveniently use the larger size before it gets stale. And of course, watch for sales. They can make a difference. >> Unit pricing. With so many different brands and sizes, that's a good tip to remember. >> And here's another tip. >> And that's another cereal. >> Yes. I used to eat this one when I was a kid, but since I've been comparing and evaluating, I noticed that it's pre- sugared. Look, >> the pre-shugared is more expensive. >> Sure is. And since I don't want to pay for someone to put sugar on my breakfast, I'll put on my own sugar. It'll not only cost me less, but I can control how much I want. >> Good move. Too much sugar is not the best idea. Tooth decay, obesity. >> Well, was I okay? Can I be in your film? >> You just were. Thanks. See you later. >> Nutritionally speaking, sugar is just empty calories. Some sugar's all right, of course. Just don't overdo it. After all, without sugar, cookies wouldn't be cookies. Something else to think about is salt, sodium chloride. We all need some salt in our diets to be healthy, but many of us eat more than we need. We all know about salty foods such as potato chips and bacon. But did you know that some frozen dinners contain a whole day's worth of salt? Most labels will show you how much. A little salt is okay. A lot's not so hot. If you're concerned about your salt intake, you can find products that go easy on salt. Now, where do we spend most of our food money? Think about it. That's right, the meat department, where we also get chicken, fish, you know, important protein foods and foods low in fat. Let's look in on Mary, another smart shopper. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you, but sometimes the way I get around can shake people up. >> I'll say it does. You know, I've seen this in the movies, but of course, we're not in the movies, are we? >> Well, yes, we are. I should have known. Well, how can I help you? >> How do you get the most protein food for your money? >> Oh, easy. I compare and evaluate. Compare and evaluate. I sense a recurring clue here. For instance, look at these. Now, of course, you see a difference. Well, sure. This is a whole chicken, but this one has already been cut into pieces. And it costs more. That's right. And it costs more because you're paying someone to cut it up for you. So, I buy the uncut chicken and I cut it up myself. And of course, that saves money. Chicken's also a nice protein food because it's low in fat. Another low-fat protein food is fish. Any pointers here? >> There are lots of kinds you can buy that aren't that expensive. And if you'll check a good cookbook, you'll find some excellent ways to cook all kinds of fish. >> Good tip. Now, let me ask you about these nice looking ribs. I'm sure you noticed that they cost a lot less per pound than this roast. Ribs contain a lot of bone and fat. >> Fat not something we want to eat much of. You see, a pound of these ribs will only serve one person, whereas a pound of this boneless roast will serve two or more. So, what we have to consider is the price per serving. The price per serving. So, the more expensive cut actually costs less because there's more usable meat. Exactly. That's why we have to compare and evaluate. >> Okay. Now, what about this situation? Oh, very good and very impressive. >> What about the price of this beef stew? Isn't it a lot cheaper per pound? >> Well, that's why it's important to read the label to find out exactly what you're getting. >> Well, let's see. It's a 24 oz can. >> Yes, it is. But it's not 24 ounces of beef. That's the weight of all the ingredients. You see, by law, the ingredients are listed in the order of the quantities used in making the product. >> And beef isn't first. Water is first, then comes beef. But that's not all. On the label, you'll also find some good nutritional information about calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium, as well as the vitamin content. So, the message is read the label if you want to get more food for your money. >> You know, making these films teaches me a lot. >> I would think so. Are you ready for something else? Sure. >> How about other good sources of protein? Okay, let's start with eggs. They're a good protein food. The rule is to check the price against the size to see which is the best buy. And I see you also use beans as another source of protein. >> Oh, yes. They're loaded with protein. And don't forget peanut butter. Oh, my kids love it. >> Peanut butter. >> Oh, keep that notebook handy. Here's another way to stretch your protein food budget. >> I'm ready. One word. Combine. >> Combine. Combine what? Combine plant and animal protein. That's five words. Okay, five words. But combining is still a good way to stretch your food budget because plant protein usually costs less than animal protein. So if you mix one with the other, you get more for your money. >> I have a favorite. Spaghetti and meat sauce. >> Oh, mine is macaroni and cheese. >> Then there's chili with beans. >> Chicken and dumplings. >> Grilled cheese sandwich. >> That's the idea. Of course, there's more protein in the dairy department. Well, thanks for the tips. >> Oh, my pleasure. And don't be a stranger. >> Oh, hey, what about your stew? >> Oh, that. Thanks for reminding me. Well, bye. Now bye. It would make me nervous. All that popping around. >> As Mary said, the dairy section does contain a great deal of economical protein. For example, milk is a very good food, high in protein, calcium, and B vitamins. Whole milk is the most popular, but if you're concerned about calories, there's lowfat and non-fat milk. Milk is a good way to get more food value for our money. We can also substitute non-fat dried milk for whole milk. It especially is good in recipes, and it's cheaper. Buttermilk, surprisingly enough, is actually lower in fat than whole milk. That's because it's made from partially skimmed milk. Cheese is also a good source of protein. If you're concerned about sodium or fat, low sodium and low-fat cheeses are available. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein. And so is yogurt, which also has low fat and non-fat versions. And if you add your own fruits, you'll probably save money. And that brings us to produce. Nothing like the taste of fresh produce. I think Cheryl's back from the market. Let's have a look. >> Well, hello again. Don't you ever knock? >> I'm sorry, but I've always done it this way. >> That's all right. How can I help? >> I came back to ask about buying fresh fruits and vegetables. >> Very good. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of natural fiber, high in many vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and contain no fat. >> So, I understand. Now, for the big question with produce, how do we get more food for our money? >> It sounds like a film title. >> It is sort of. >> Sure. Anything to help. >> I see you have some fresh spinach. Did you compare it for unit pricing and price per serving with frozen and canned spinach? I used to, but experience at doing just that has given me a shortcut. >> An easier way. >> Here's my rule about produce. When you buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season, they're usually cheaper. That's because you don't have to pay someone to freeze them or put them in a can for you. >> In season? You mean when there's lots of it in the stores? >> That's one way to tell. Another way is to ask the produce man. >> Question. Is fresh produce always the best buy? Well, again, in season, but frozen and canned can come in very handy, especially when what you want isn't in season, >> such as those peaches. >> Sure. And the plain wrap brands are usually cheaper than the nationally advertised kinds, >> like this one. >> Yeah, just like this one. This contains the same amount of fruit and is just as nutritious as the fancier kind. >> I'm sure you know that both of these cans have the fruit packed in light syrup. >> Less sugar that way. I always look for the light syrup variety when I can find it. But if you do buy the kind in heavy syrup and you don't want that much sugar, you could just rinse it off. >> All this talk about food is making me hungry and I have lots more to do before dinner. So, if you'll excuse me. >> Oh, certainly. Drop in anytime. It's been kind of fun. >> Hey, you forgot your peaches. >> Thank you. >> And now for a big item that's getting bigger. Convenience food. You know, all those frozen dinners, canned chilies, rice mixes, etc., etc. When you buy a meal like this, of course, you're paying for someone to make it for you. Someone had to select the foods, wash them, season them, cook them, and then package them. Also, most convenience meals contain more salt than you might use yourself. For the price of a couple of these, we could purchase enough fresh ingredients to make a meal for three or four. This is true of other convenience foods. Rather than prepared soups, you can usually save by making your own. Another example, little containers of dessert can cost a lot more than the same amount you can make yourself. But then again, convenience foods are well convenient. Sometimes the time and work you save is well worth the extra money. Again, compare and evaluate. Now, let's look in on Joe who's getting more food for his money. Well, you make quite an entrance, >> so I'm told. But it does save a lot of time. This looks pretty good. >> Thanks. I'm starting on the dressing right now. >> Do you make your own dressing to save money? >> Well, that's one reason. >> Most dressings take so little time and are so cheap to make. I usually do my own >> and they're always fresh. >> It also gives me a chance to experiment with new flavors without spending money on the whole bottle. >> How did you learn to do this? Oh, that's easy. Recipes in the paper and in cookbooks. But you've hit on a point about saving money that I think is really important. Buying food is like anything else. The more you know about it, the easier it is to compare and evaluate. >> Very good. An example? >> Sure. Take these mushrooms for instance. I used to simply scoop up a bunch of mushrooms or any other vegetables and fruits and take them home. Then I read somewhere that it was a good idea to take a real good look at any fruit or vegetable you buy. You know, check them over for bruises, freshness, be sure they're in good condition. Now, if they're packaged, I really look them over. >> And that's another way you save money. >> Now, I never have any bad ones to throw away. >> You read about this somewhere? >> Exactly. You can get information from a lot of places, even a film, >> like this one. >> Why not? That's just about right. Would you care to say for supper? >> I'd love to, but I have to get on with this film. Mary's putting out dessert. Okay, another time then. >> Thanks very much. Pity, this is so good. >> Hello again. Hello. You do get around, don't you? >> Indeed I do. There's a lot to learn about for a film like this. I was talking with another smart shopper about pre-made convenience foods. I was wondering why you bought a ready-made cake. Aren't cake mixes usually less expensive? Well, for the most part, that's true. But here's how I look at it. The price on this cake has been reduced because this cake is a day old. You know, day old bakery items are usually still good. So, you save money and have a lovely cake besides. And this is true of a lot of bakery items like muffins and bagels and breads. If you're going to eat them soon, you can save a lot of money on your grocery bill. >> There's just one more thing. >> Oh, ask away. It's your movie. >> I've heard a lot about vitamin pills and food supplements. What do you think? >> Well, nutritionists say that if you eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods from the basic food groups, you generally don't need to spend money on food supplements and vitamin pills. Besides, real foods taste much better than vitamins to me anyway. Well, thank you for all your advice. I have to be going now. >> Oh, don't mention it. And good luck with the film. >> We've seen a lot of ways we can get more food for our money. We can sum it up in about seven rules. Here's the food savings countdown. Rule number seven, >> always use a shopping list and read the food ads for bargains. >> Rule number six, read the label for all the things you need to know. Rule number five, buy fresh fruits and vegetables when they're in season. >> Rule number four, >> you often save with plain wrap brands in canned and packaged goods. >> Rule number three, try some alternatives to meat. Rule number two, >> you pay extra for convenience. >> And now for the big one, the most important rule. Rule number one, compare >> and >> evaluate. And that's how we can all get more food for our money. [Music] [Applause]