Southy_SWFC

I'm making my first trip to TJs in Portland tomorrow. How exciting. We're going mostly because of the reasons highlighted in EnglishMums post.

HumphreyC

Looked into this a while ago (I think because my mum and dad watched 'Food inc!) and personally I'm not concerned. It's obviously a complex dispute between the EU and the US but the evidence that growth hormones constitute a public health risk seems pretty weak to me - hence why the WTO ruled against the EU. The EU might be sincere in believing that imported beef is a risk - or they might be indulging in a bit a stealthy protectionism.

With regard to conventional vs. organic foods I think the latest evidence shows that they are equivalent in nutrition and safety (except for unpasteurized milk, which is more dangerous) Hence I'll buy the odd organic products here and there but I won't go out my way to do so. Some people do say that grass fed cattle tastes better - personally I prefer the corn fed stuff but that's just my opinion.

I think the milk itself is safe to drink according to the World Health Organisation. However it's banned in the other countries because of the bad effects it has on animal health.

ascotsgranny

Have moved back and forth several times and always felt everything was more expensive in UK. USA grocery items can change regionally, as well as the availability of coupons. For example, grocers in Southern California offer "double coupon" coupons and in Northern California they don't. The most difficult thing for me cooking here is not being able to get the types of things I could in UK -- American women just don't cook.

cheers

Something to ad.
In the US we tend to buy in bulk to some degree so there could lead to some spoilage and other kind of waste. We also eat more than necessary relative to our activity. It was the custom in the UK at one time to shop meal to meal because of limited funds, getting fresh food and also this was prior to fridges.

Today it is probably the same on both sides of the Atlantic. Buy plenty because it appears to be cheaper.

Bob

They've got some great wines and especially beers...and the snack food is fantastic. What's also nice is you can ask to sample anything in the store and they'll open it for you to try out if there's something you're not sure about

ascotsgranny

Boils down to "adjusting" ... there will be many pros and cons on each side of the Atlantic where the wallet is concerned. As for groceries, again, it's what you eat. If you want good quality organic and un-processed foods you will pay more. I've made my own bread for years now for same reasons as others -- USA bread is horrible. I have started making my own sausages too! The yogurt I use is the European style whole milk one from Trader Joes and I add my own fruit with a little honey or agave. Muesli? Forget finding any good stuff here. But in the end, you are in the USA not UK and coming to terms with that is between you and God!

ascotsgranny

and if you add diastatic malt powder to your bread it will last a few days.

ascotsgranny

Loved this info Englishmum!! We were cut from the same cloth I believe.

Southy_SWFC

I noticed a bit of that going off plus in the back corner near the beer and wine they were cooking stuff and handing it out. Free coffee is always a good thing too. Loved the place and so did the Mrs. We'll certainly be going back there

scrubbedexpat099

I bought 50lbs of Potatoes, for $11, now I hot the big ones at about lb each.

Depends where you buy.

25lbs of carrots for $8.

cheers

Thanks for the warning!