You have a choice as to what you're going to use. It's not complicated, just flexible.
Use a calculator and look at what the food offers. You'll see pretty quickly as to what food is best.
Without food my archer hits about 125 for lightshot. 300ish for a crit. With the so-so food, that base hit goes to about 150-170ish. With the optimal it's 200-300. 700 crit.
If you put in a little time, food will work for you. It works way way more than it used to. I have a satchel full of grub for every class.
