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

Dutch food history is often limited to descriptions of socioeconomic 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 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.