packaged food

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   Food that is sold already wrapped or put in a box, can, or bag by a company.

   Grammar: No plural when talking about the category as a whole; use 'packaged foods' for several kinds or items.

   Patterns

   • packaged food is/contains something
   • buy/eat packaged food

   Packaged food is convenient, but it often contains a lot of salt.

   The store sells mostly packaged food, so fresh vegetables are hard to find.

   She tries to limit packaged food and cook from scratch.

2. 2nouncountable

   A particular item of food that comes in a sealed wrapper or container.

   Grammar: Countable here, so it takes 'a' and a plural: a packaged food, packaged foods.

   Patterns

   • a packaged food
   • packaged foods from somewhere

   The label on the packaged food listed twelve ingredients.

   Imported packaged foods must carry a nutrition label.

Word forms

Common combinations

processed and packaged food

The study looked at processed and packaged food in school lunches.

packaged food aisle

You'll find the rice in the packaged food aisle.

cut down on packaged food

He cut down on packaged food and started cooking.

packaged food label

Always read the packaged food label before buying.

Synonyms and how they differ

processed food

Focuses on how the food was changed in a factory; a food can be processed without being packaged, such as fresh bread.

convenience food

Emphasizes that it is quick to prepare, whether or not it comes in a package.

Opposites

Word family

package verb

To wrap or put goods into containers for sale.

packaging noun

The material used to wrap or protect products.

packaged adjective

Already wrapped or boxed for sale.

Commonly confused: packaged food or packed food?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “packaged food”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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