What did the convicts eat in the 1800s?

In the 1800s, convicts typically consumed a simple and monotonous diet, which often included staples such as bread, porridge, rice, and potatoes. Meat was scarce and usually limited to occasional rations of salted or dried beef and fish. Additionally, they might receive some vegetables, though the quality and quantity varied significantly depending on the prison and its resources. Overall, the diet was designed to be filling but lacked nutritional variety.