Final answer:
The convenience foods usually more or less expensive than homemade foods is: D. It depends on the specific product.
Step-by-step explanation:
The comparison between the cost of convenience foods and homemade foods generally shows that convenience foods are more expensive. This can be attributed to the added value of preparation, packaging, and marketing that goes into convenience foods. These foods, which are designed for ease and speed of consumption, carry with them additional costs for the consumer.
In the context of economic downturns, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey, real total food spending in U.S. households fell by five percent between 2006 and 2009, indicating that grocery spending was not where the increase occurred. During such times, consumers may actually shift towards convenience foods, despite their higher cost, due to stress, time constraints, or the lack of resources for preparing meals at home. For these reasons, the answer to the initial question is option (D) It depends on the specific product and the circumstances of the consumer.