The Most Bizarre Processed Foods in My Local Supermarket

As a food enthusiast and avid consumer, I always enjoy exploring the offerings in my local supermarket. However, there are certain items that stand out due to their bizarre processing methods and ingredients. In this article, we'll delve into some of the most peculiar processed foods that I've come across and discuss why they might make your stomach turn.

Bizarre Processed Foods to Avoid

First up on our bizarre processed food list, we have Oreos. Yes, the beloved cookie sandwich that many of us grew up with. While they do contain added B-vitamins, the fact that they are heavily processed is worth noting. Recently, I stumbled upon Sour Patch Oreos, which immediately raised a red flag. The thought of a cookie with 'colorful inclusions' is enough to make anyone second-guess their purchase. It's a odd combination of the sweet and sour flavors, and personally, I can’t fathom why anyone would find them enjoyable.

Money-Grabbing Packaging

Let’s move on to packaged goods that seem to exist purely to increase profit margins. Case in point, prefab toast. These pre-baked toaster pastries are a prime example of unnecessary processing. Have you ever tried to make toast at home and thought it was too much trouble? I bet you can still easily whip up a batch of toast without the need for any fancy appliances, let alone a product that is significantly more expensive.

Another example is pre-sliced vegetables. These products often come at a hefty premium compared to the raw counterparts. For instance, a package of pre-sliced asparagus costing anywhere from 2 to 3 times the price of a bunch of asparagus would make me question the value. Surely, cutting asparagus or any other vegetable isn’t an exceptionally difficult task. Why shell out more money for convenience?

Home Cooking Favorites Gone Bizarre

Being a transplant from the United States to France, which shares borders with Germany, I hold a deep appreciation for good sausage. Growing up in Philadelphia, I was also blessed with a father who crafted amazing Sunday breakfasts. Despite my love for these traditional American breakfast items, my perspective was challenged by a recent culinary experience at an International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in Jacksonville, Florida. After a heart-clogging meal there, my daughter and I hit up the supermarket next door for ingredients to fuel our long drive to Key West.

One of the items that caught my eye was pancakes and sausage on a stick. While convenient, the concept of these impaling delicacies is truly bizarre. My reaction upon seeing this product, or more accurately, my daughter’s smiling response, has stayed with me for the past 11 months. Every time I look at it, I still experience a wave of disgust. It's a stark reminder of how much we focus on convenience over taste and authenticity.

These examples highlight the oddity and sometimes unnecessary cost associated with certain processed foods. When shopping, it’s essential to be aware of the processing methods and ingredient lists. Do your due diligence and choose products that align with both your health and ethical standards.