Approved Foods thread

Possession

LOL, we are suffering from couscous and wrap fatigue too. I have just got rid of some wraps actually as those that weren't frozen aren't nice now. Unsurprising since their BB date was in 2010! The ones I froze are still good. I thought I had conquered the couscous mountain but when sorting the garage last week I discovered more.
The noodles don't usually taste bad. I am a noodleoholic so I've tasted every variety. Ready to wok noodles always have oil put on them but these ones were just plain bad....which is fair enough given that they were out of date, but does make me now refuse to buy noodles that are out of date by more than a few weeks.

Lucyeff wrote: »

Possession, we've had the noodles that tasted vinegary too. I'm not sure if they're like that usually to be honest, may be the stuff they put on to keep them separated?

We found them pretty odd tasting anyway, I agree.

spike2012

I bit the bullet a few weeks ago and will be returning to AF the end of this week hopefully... Ive heard theyre already sold out of the beef jerky *gutted*

As a previous poster said about checking prices, most of it is of substantial reduction. An example of where it isnt would be a box of sugar puffs for £1 or £1.09 etc. They are often in my £1 shop or savers or tesco for that price BUT, as with the loo rolls, I use public transport so if I'm placing an order for £30+ then I will add these items TO my discounted shopping (I see it as the same price as other stores but with the convenience of home delivery) Im paying for delivery anyway so on my first order the other week I topped up the shopping with a few of these items.

Items that were a "steal"
10 cream eggs for £1
weight watchers tortillas, I think it was 6 packs for £1. So had 12 packs.
12 red thai curry sachets 1 pence
12 sharwoods sachets £1.29 or £1.49
cranberry juice drink £1 for 4.
10x strength mango juice. Had LOADS of drinks from this one... £1.29

plus £25+ other items... so the loo roll and sugar puff type deals are then used to top the order up a tad but keeping within the weight threshold.

HTH and go for it!

Byatt

Another cous cous (battle) fatigue [STRIKE]victim[/STRIKE] buyer.:eek:

I thought I loved cous cous...:o

Ben84

I have my reservations too. I know that best before dates aren't considered dangerous to exceed, but I've actually had more problems with taste and texture from food past it's best before than it's use by date so far.

However, I too need to save, so I'm planning to try cautiously with a limited number of items at first. Gives me a chance to use them up before they exceed the date too much and I can see how it goes from there.

Margaret52129

I'd never heard of approved foods so I googled the site to have a look. TBH, HB and B&M match the prices pretty well, plus you don't need to buy in bulk and if you're careful about petrol/bus fares etc, you might be able to match their delivery charges.

Only problem with HB and B&M is that once it's gone, it's gone! So if you were planning to get an item on a regular basis, then you might not always get it. Also, if you could look at supermarket's special offers/ BOGOFF's, sometimes it's worth getting those in bulk if it's something you use reguarly. I've not done it, but you can log in to most of the supermarkets to see what their offers are and also get updates on what's due in on special offer (Aldi + Lidl sent weekly notices to your email) before you go shopping. Meal planning is a great way to buy just what you need with no wastage (if you stick to it!)

Remember thought, a bargain is only a bargain if you want the item in the first place! No good buying something that's a really great price but not your favourite thing - it's one sure way of putting you off the stuff!

Good luck in your money saving.

Pink.

As this is a shopping rather than Old Style thread I've moved it over to the Food Shopping and Groceries board.

You can find the main thread on Approved Foods here:

Approved Food discussion thread part 2

Pink

Boodle

We had the ready to cook noodles that were vinegary. Ate them but wasn't keen. The huge box of dried ones we got are still only half way down and are fine.

We got a ton of couscous too, but I just stash it an use it when I fancy couscous rather than trying to use it up iykwim! Still have some semolina packs and lentils.

The wraps were we got were dry after their use by date, but are fine if you layer them in a sort of lasagne/pancake type bake with chilli beans in tomato sauce in place of the usual tomatey sauce.

I find they do lots of products with plenty time on their usebys.

Edwardia

I did one order, bought only things in date and got free shipping. Turned up in a huge parcel which barely go through the door. Now gone organic so probably wouldn't use again.

Smoosh

I've seen the site, but never used it before because I was a bit dubious about what the quality of the food would be like. I think I may give it a go though. I think I'd use it mainly for stocking up on cupboard bits (like tinned and dried stuff) and freezable bits, that way I could cut down the cost on my weekly shops I think.

mumonashoestring

I've just put in an order then found out their mystery boxes became available again the next day - typical! I shall shortly be joining the ranks of the cous cous fatigued...

For those who have ordered the wraps and found them a bit dry, try them as enchilladas or use them to make quick, cheaty samosas