Noble and other wealthy households had access to an incredible diversity and quantity of rich and sweet foods. Meat was plentiful, as were wines and sweets. So, oddly, the diets often led to a range of unhealthy conditions.

For peasant households, even the more prosperous ones, pork, poultry, and fish were available, but not in the frequency or amounts as they were in more prosperous households. One bad harvest would create crisis or even famine conditions for most households.

Typical Meals

Poor=pottage, peas, ale (low quality); rye loaves, meet pies

Middling=more eggs, more salted meat or fish, cheeses; rye (larger loaves); cuts of meat (several times a week to once per day); ale (middle quality)

High=variety, spices; meat frequently; wine, spiced wine, beer, ale (highest grade)