Jamie Oliver has faced criticism over his claim that he can make substantial meals for only £1.
The celebrity chef’s new Channel 4 series, Jamie’s £1 Wonders, shares recipes and tips to help viewers source ingredients for cheap meals that would only add up to £1 per portion.
He also outlines that the price of each recipe portion is worked out “based on an average of four UKsupermarkets” – Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.
On Tuesday night’s show, the 47-year-old made a “time-saving roast dinner” of bread and onion stuffed chicken thighs, vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy, which came in at under 90p per head based on a family of six.
Despite emphasising that the cost is based on each portion, viewers were left dubious about the price and whether the meals would be significant enough to quell hunger.
Responding to the cost shown on screen, one person tweeted: “Where do you buy one rasher of bacon for 19p??”
WINNER WINNER TIME-SAVING #ROASTDINNER!!
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) March 6, 2023
Beautifully stuffed chicken thighs, veg, roasties and gravy – all coming in at under £1 per portion! Only 6 more sleeps until Sunday…😉#JamiesOnePoundWondershttps://t.co/T6Uuic0rjQ pic.twitter.com/tMeKKbhauQ
“I’m sorry but you can’t get three onions for 19p,” another said.
A third added: “One thigh per person!!! Most people will be starving after.”
“These Jamie Oliver £1 meals are playing a bit fast and loose with the word 'portion',” another remarked.
A viewer claimed: “The only problem with Jamie Oliver’s £1 meals is that you need a millionaire’s kitchen and it’s equipment to cook them in.”
In light of the negative social media commentary, Oliver responded to the criticism by explaining that the breakdown of costs that are put forward for the show are calculated on “the amount used”.
Responding to a fan’s query, he tweeted: “The pricing of the recipes were calculated by the amount used rather than the whole ingredient cost. We believe you’ll already have many of the ingredients stocked at home.”
The pricing of the recipes were calculated by the amount used rather than the whole ingredient cost, Darren. As we believe you’ll already have many of the ingredients stocked at home. For more info on the pricing click this link >> https://t.co/SUTvVULnGS
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) March 6, 2023
Oliver’s points are reiterated on his website’s FAQs, which say: “The aim of Jamie’s £1 Wonders is to be as useful to people as possible, with all prices correct at the time of filming (September 2022 and January 2023).
“We hope to arm you with the information and inspiration you need to make easy swaps, cook flexibly and make the most of the ingredients you buy, all within a budget.”
Despite some frustrated viewers, many also complimented Oliver on his recipes, with one writing: “Your £1 wonders is the best food show I’ve seen in ages”.
Another penned: “I love this programme! It gives me the confidence to create wonderful food without spending hours prepping or pouring over a complicated recipe!! Saves me spending lots of money too!”
