#1. Mashed potatoes. Do you usually buy the boxes, the frozen or make from scratch.

Make from scratch.
#2. Cottage cheese. What kind do you like? (large curd, small curd, 2%, 4%, no salt, etc)

I buy low fat cottage cheese.
#3. Is there a food that you are brand loyal to?

For lunchmeat, I always buy Hormel Natural Choice Turkey with no nitrates or preservatives.  Get coupons!
#4. When cooking do you usually use fresh onions or the ones from the spice aisle that are chopped or powdered?

I nearly always use fresh onions.