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

They’re much lower in quality and taste.

Fresh food is usually healthier for you, too.

Instant foods were originally created to just last longer without going bad. In the US, they started with ‘desiccated foods’ which were just dried fruits and vegetables and grains during the Civil War for Army use.

These days, they’re cheaper because, again, they last longer and are usually comprised of lower quality foods that wouldn’t sell if sold fresh.