Time-scarcity, ready-meals, ill-health and the obesity epidemic

In this 3-part paper, we firstly review the interaction of time-scarcity with food-choices, specifically ready-meals, and potential health consequences from their consumption. Secondly we review declared nutrients, in relation to the standard 30% of Guideline Daily Amounts, concluding that popular ready-meals from major UK supermarkets are currently nutritionally haphazard. Thirdly, we present a simple scheme to establish standards for nutritional composition of ready-meals: unless otherwise specified, any meal (the smallest unit of nutrition) as recommended to be eaten or as offered should provide 30% ± 10% of GDA for energy and pro rata for key nutrients (e.g. sodium, sat fat, vitamin C).

► Perceived time-scarcity drives, but may also result from the marketing of ready-meals. ► Ready-meals are currently nutritionally chaotic, some hazardous. ► Time-pressured consumers need better guidance towards safe ready-meals. ► All ready-meals should be nutritionally balanced as sold or with recommended accompaniments unless otherwise identified and this is not hard to achieve. ► A simple scheme for nutritional standards, based on dietary guidelines is proposed.