Table 1.

The Convenience Food Classification Scheme (CFCS)

	Examples
Convenience level I: raw foods and ingredients that require cooking or preparation
Purposes of use
CIa. Raw foods	Raw vegetables, fresh fish
CIb. Ingredients	Salt, herbs, flour
Convenience level II: industrially processed foods that need further processing steps in the household
Levels of culinary skills and time to prepare a meal
CIIc. Defrosting, heating, cooking and/or adding of ingredients (e.g. salt) or used as an ingredient	Frozen vegetables, canned fruits, bagged salad
CIId. Defrosting, heating, cooking and/or adding predefined quantities of ingredients	Baking mixes, instant potato mash
CIIe. Defrosting, heating and/or cooking, no further steps are necessary (meal components)	Fish fingers, French fries
Convenience level III: ready-made meals and ready-to-eat products
Context in which a food is consumed
CIIIf. Ready-made meals	Frozen, chilled and canned main courses
CIIIg. Sweet and salty snacks, desserts	Chocolate, chips, yoghurt, ice cream
CIIIh. Other ready-to-eat products	Bread, cheese, sausages, ready-to-eat fruits