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

Some instant foods are always sub par.

Most instant foods don’t work properly as ingredients when cooking something they are required in.

Nearly all instant foods are much more expensive. For some things like oatmeal you are paying more for the packaging and processing then the oats cost themselves in some markets.