Food or Foodstuffs?

 

Inflation inflation inflation…where ever you are - it’s coming for you! By now, you are probably well aware of the increased food prices at your local store. Everything is being affected with prices going up for some things more than others. If you find your food budget is being squeezed more than normal, it’s time to see what your priorities are.

 

 

Are you buying Food or Foodstuffs? What is the difference? 

 

Let’s check out some definitions from the Oxford dictionary (online)…

 

Food - any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and growth.

 

Foodstuffs - a substance suitable for consumption as food.

 

How are we to tell the difference?

 

Close your eyes for a second and imagine the layout of your grocery store. Notice how things like produce, dairy, meat and the bakery are close to the edge of the store? Consider how other things (mostly found in the centre) are also sold by your gas jockey when you top up at the pump. What do bread, fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat products have in common? They go bad! In other words, they expire quicker than the ‘foodstuffs’ you’d find in the highly processed middle of the store or at the gas station. This means the grocery store needs quicker access to refill, replace and watch over these items. Hence, the strategic arrangement of the store. 

 

So, if you are in a bind, consider the definitions and note the keywords underlined. Food is nutritious in order to maintain life and growth. Foodstuffs include things that are technically edible…but are not required to be nutritious to support life and growth. 

 

Just like Harrison Ford choosing the right holy grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade… your body will let you know if you chose wisely or poorly…

 

No, you won’t age 50 years in 2 seconds before your face melts off in classic 80’s movie effects. But, in a less dramatic fashion you will either feel vibrant or some combination of bloating, indigestion, heartburn, fatigue, malaise, etc…  

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Choose wisely!