Ready Meals and Cultural Values in the Netherlands, 1950-1970

Abstract

Dutch food history is often limited to descriptions of socio-economic circumstances and food practices. Much can be gained from examining the impact of cultural values on consumption. Among such values are inhibitions regarding convenience and a great concern for nutrition and health, two features that influenced the popularity of ready-made meals in the Netherlands during the 1950s and 1960s, despite manufacturers’ efforts. These canned, jarred, freeze-dried and frozen products suffered the consequences of a requirement imposed on housewives: carefully prepared, nutritious meals for their families, day in, day out.