THE NEW DIET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26463, 17 May 1947, Page 6

THE NEW DIET

PUBLIC DEMAND FOR SUBSTITUTES EFFECT OF SHORTAGES Since man must eat to live, his appetite must become accustomed to the next best thing in times of food shortages. People throughout the world are adapting their diets to what they can get, and New Zealand is no exception. The effect of iniport controls and rationing in the Dominion has been an increased demand by the public for substitutes. Dunedin merchants have observed an increased demand for tinned jam since sugar rationing and the shortage of various fruits has restricted ffn?" making in the home Between 1938 and 1946 the quantity of jam manufacturod in New Zealand increased by 156 per cent., and still the demand remains unsatisfied. The shortage of honey may also be a contributing C3 The scarcity of confectionery lines, as a result of sugar rationing, may be attributed to the marked increased demand for ice-creams and also for biscuits. The manufacture of margarine has increased by 250 per cent, in the last 10 years, reflecting the effect of butter rationing. Large quantities of margarine are used m the manufacture of biscuits, the demand for which may also be accentuated by the scarcity of cake. Meat rationing Htos caused a greater demand for cheese and eggs. The scarcity of eggs and other foods has, in turn, increased the demand for canned fish. , : . Dunedin grocers are unable to satisfy the demands of their customers for canned peas, canned tomatoes, and tomato soup, sauces and pickles. That more people in New Zealand are returning to cereals for breakfast is shown by the fact that the manufacture of flaked cereals has increased by 100 per cent, in recent years. Eggs and bacon are almost a thing of the past. Tea rationing has been accomoanied bv an increased demand for beer, although one cannot be claimed as a' substitute for the other.