eli5: How do “instant” versions of foods (instant oatmeal, coffee, rice, etc.) exist? Why are they not the standard since they’re so efficient?

Question

eli5: How do “instant” versions of foods (instant oatmeal, coffee, rice, etc.) exist? Why are they not the standard since they’re so efficient?

In: 11

Answer 1

The instant version of rice sold in blocks in Japan is pretty good. Not much different from fresh-cooked in taste and texture. It’s very expensive for what you get though, so I cooking rice in a rice cooker is still the most cost-efficient way.