The Great Depression was a time of financial hardship for many people. The Great Depression began in 1929 and continued into the 1930s. With a lot of decreased wages, many jobs lost and banks shuttering, life as people had known had changed. Some things in particular from this time that continues to be shared are frugal cooking tips.
The prices on food rose and food had become scarce. Stretching the food people had and not wasting anything was set into practice even more. People came together and helped one another. One area in particular was helping one another with food.
There are many tips from the Great Depression that can be used today regardless if you may be experiencing financial hardship or are not.
I have listed several foods that were popular during the Great Depression. Have you tried any of them? Would you like to give any of them a try? Remember that you may already have some items at home. Always try to remember as a way to help you save money, to check to see what you already have before going to buy anything for meals and snacks.
- What are some foods that were popular during the great depression?
- Eating simple.
- Great Depression meal ideas.
What are some foods that were popular in the great depression?
During the Great Depression food was not in abundance as it had been before. Families made do and were creative with what they did have. A lot of cooking was done from scratch and a lot of it was healthy.
Some of the foods that were popular then are still popular today, such as casseroles. The following is a list of foods that were popular during the Great Depression.
- Homemade bread
- Casseroles
- Cabbage Soup
- Chili
- Stew
- Chipped beef on toast
- Beans
- Fried Bologna
- Ketchup sandwiches
- Hotdogs
- Buttered bread
- Peanut butter on bread
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Depression Era cake
- Water pie
Frugal Cooking Tips, Eating Simple
During the great depression many people ate simple. There were not always big meals to be had. Families would also eat less food so that their entire family could eat. Sometimes a meal may have consisted of a piece of bread with butter on it.
An example of frugal cooking tips during this time includes when people had often helped one another out for meals. So that families could have more to eat, neighbors would sometimes eat together. Each family would provide something to eat. For instance, one family may have provided a meat, and another may have provided a side dish. This gave them an opportunity to socialize as well.
Another example of helping each other out was those that had farms, and others that had gardens, would trade goods. Fruits and vegetables could be traded for maybe chicken and eggs.
A lot of people grew gardens including kitchen gardens. There were community gardens so that those that may not have had the space to grow a garden could grow one there. Canning was something a lot of people did as well. Assuring they would have a supply of food to last for awhile.
A simple dessert such as Depression Era cake, also called Wacky Cake was a nice treat. It did not consist of milk or eggs. In turn that helped to make a more economical friendly dessert for families.

Recipe for Depression Cake
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ⅓ cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- ½ a teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease an 8x8 baking dish.
- Combine and stir baking soda, salt, sugar, flour and cocoa powder in a bowl.
- Combine and stir water, oil, vanilla, and vinegar in another bowl.
- Combine and mix ingredients in both bowls together until no longer lumpy.
- Pour into greased baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes.
- Let cool.
Enjoy this cake as it is or top with icing or powdered sugar.
Great Depression meal ideas.
There are so many meals that I think would be great to make today. There are some that I make such as different casseroles, chili and soups. Whether or not you are going through a hard economic time or not these meals can be enjoyed by you and your family. Included are some meals I have not tried but find interesting to share.
Meals
- Bologna casserole
- Fried cabbage and pasta
- bean soup
- Ham hocks
- Hoover stew
- Potato cakes
A simple meal or side dish was potato cakes. It could be eaten at any meal and was a less expensive choice of food to make.

Recipe for Potato cakes
- 2 potatoes
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons of flour
Directions
- Shred potatoes.
- In a bowl mix potatoes and remaining ingredients.
- Lightly grease a frying pan.
- Scoop out several portions of mixture onto pan.
- Cook over low to medium heat pressing them flat.
- Cook each side until they are crispy and browned.
Enjoy these potato cakes as they are or with a sprinkle of sugar on them.
In conclusion
The Great Depression has taught us many things. One being the appreciation of and taking care of what we have such as food. So many people had very little. Neighbors helped neighbors. Still today these practices are enforced by many.
How about bringing your family or friends together to have a potluck? Enjoy one another's company and delicious food. What will you make? Please share with us.
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