I am one for "from scratch" we make dressings, marinades, mayo you name it, we also make bread and ice cream, I often make my own mince from good cuts of meat. I don't use packet mixes. But some things from jars are good. Tomatoes and canned chickpeas are fine. I prefer frozen peas unless they are from the market as supermarket fresh peas suck! I use bascillio sauce mixed with garlic as a pizza topping. I do have some convenience foods like mushroom stock etc I think if you get too fussy it can be not only expensive but also difficult especially with a hoard to feed. But meal bases can be made from scratch just as quickly as packet bases and taste 100 times better! I guess I'm a bit of nigella mentality you can still cut some corners and come out with good tasty recipes.