The continuing rise in food prices is worrying a majority of people, many of whom are coping by closely watching their food budgets and trading recipes for "struggle meals."
It's been noted recently that the special meals are often being used by people who have good jobs but are finally concerned about high rent, high car repairs, and increasing expenses elsewhere.
It's the years of high-inflation Bidenomics and post-pandemic job woes coming together, some say.
In some cases, "struggle meal" is simply a new name for budget meals or low-cost dinners, and popular variations include ramen noodles, spaghetti and rice with various accompanying vegetables or meats occasionally.
For healthy living doctor and DruckerLabs chief Richard Drucker, though, it's important to start with the definition, because unhealthy foods often creep onto the menu.
"It's an affordable but simple meal with inexpensive ingredients, often used to cope with financial hardships."
Dr. Drucker recommends a healthy approach to cheap meal planning.
"Some of the other options that come to mind instead of pasta or noodles are a loaded baked potato, perhaps rice and beans, maybe a grilled cheese or oats with some kind of fruit."