Joe Swash’s latest venture into the world of food television, Batch From Scratch, has left viewers divided. 

The new Channel 4 series, which aims to help families organize their meals and cook in bulk, aired its first episode on February 17. 

However, while some fans enjoyed the show, others were quick to criticize it

particularly for its use of pre-made ingredients, with some arguing that it contradicted the show’s “from scratch” premise.

Joe Swash Takes on Batch Cooking in New Series

Batch From Scratch sees EastEnders actor and TV personality Joe Swash team up with chef and bestselling author Suzanne Mulholland to assist families in meal planning and batch cooking. 

The goal of the show is to help families reduce stress at mealtimes while also saving money and time.

In the first episode, Joe and Suzanne traveled to Hull, East Yorkshire, to meet the Powell family, who were struggling with managing dinnertime. The hosts introduced them to new techniques and meal-prepping strategies in an attempt to transform their chaotic kitchen routine into an organized, cost-effective system.

While the concept of batch cooking is widely appreciated, some viewers were left unimpressed by the approach taken in the show. Many took to social media to voice their frustrations, particularly over the inclusion of pre-prepared ingredients, which they felt undermined the “from scratch” philosophy.

Viewers Call Out ‘Cutting Corners’ in Cooking Process

One of the biggest points of contention among viewers was the show’s reliance on ready-made ingredients, including pre-made mashed potatoes, pre-chopped vegetables, and microwave rice. Some fans were particularly disappointed by Joe’s use of frozen onions and mushrooms, arguing that this contradicted the show’s “from scratch” branding.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one frustrated viewer wrote:

🗨 “Just witnessed the dumbest TV cooking show. I batch cook, but seriously—pre-made mash, ready-diced onions, and microwave rice? Hardly budget-friendly nor ‘from scratch’ is it?”

Another echoed the sentiment, writing:

🗨 “Isn’t really ‘from scratch’ when they’re cutting corners using ready-made mash or pre-cut veg.”

A third viewer suggested the show should change its name to better reflect its methods:

🗨 “Watching #BatchFromScratch… horrified that you are showing meals using frozen chopped onions, etc. Why not show people how to make food truly from scratch? It would be cheaper! Maybe rename the program ‘Not Quite From Scratch’.”

Fans Defend Joe Swash and the Show’s Approach

Despite the criticism, not all viewers were unhappy with Batch From Scratch. Some praised the show for its practical approach to meal prepping, arguing that the use of frozen or pre-chopped ingredients can still be a helpful way to save time for busy families.

On Instagram, one supporter commented:

🗨 “Great show, enjoyed it!”

Another viewer shared their appreciation, writing:

🗨 “Loved it! Such great ideas.”

The mixed reactions highlight the ongoing debate over what truly qualifies as “from scratch” cooking, with some prioritizing time efficiency and others emphasizing traditional methods.

Joe Swash on the Benefits of Batch Cooking

Despite the backlash from some viewers, Joe Swash remains enthusiastic about the show and the benefits of batch cooking. Speaking about the series, he emphasized the positive impact meal prepping can have on both finances and nutrition.

🗨 “I haven’t seen any cons in batch cooking. I’ve only seen positive things,” Joe explained in an interview with Newsletter.

🗨 “The amount of money the families are saving, the amount of time people are saving, the amount of nutrition people are eating—especially now that more people are thinking about what they’re putting in their bodies. I’ve not seen any negatives, only positives with batch cooking.”

A Divisive Start for Batch From Scratch

While Batch From Scratch was meant to provide inspiration for home cooks looking to streamline their meal planning, the use of pre-prepared ingredients has stirred up controversy. Some viewers see the approach as a practical way to help families cook efficiently, while others feel it undermines the core message of cooking “from scratch.”

Whether the show will adapt its approach in future episodes remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Joe Swash’s foray into the world of cooking has sparked plenty of discussion among TV audiences.

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