Does “Healthy” Eating Cost More?

For those with lower socioeconomic status, an extra $1.50 a day can seem like a lot when it is added up over time. Meats/protein had the largest price difference, while snacks/sweets had the lowest price differences. Even though this study used the most current available data, there are still some discrepancies such as the gaps in knowledge. How people define healthfulness between the different diets and food groups can ultimately influence price differences (Rao et al., 2013). In this study the results are on a typical 2000 kcal adult diet, so the extra $1.50 a day would have to be adjusted for people with different caloric intakes (Rao et al., 2013).

A common misconception of why people think healthy eating costs more is that when people think of healthy eating, they typically think of organic, fancy packaged food or gluten free foods. When in reality, you don’t need to buy products with these labels to be healthy. Here are 5 ways to stay on budget when shopping for healthy foods (Griffin, 2019):

1. Compare options and consider portion sizes/ fullness factorSometimes healthy food can seem more expensive. For example, buying a loaf of white bread compared to a loaf of high fiber whole grain bread. The higher in fiber whole grain bread will keep you full longer and provide more nutrients. When buying in bulk can save money as it typically makes the food cheaper overall compared to smaller or individually packaged options.

2. Plan before you go grocery shoppingPlan your list of what you will buy and be careful not to buy foods that could spoil before you get a chance to eat them. Always toss away bag salad into the garbage? Stop buying so much of it. Aim to include fresh fruits and vegetables, though keep in mind that they can spoil quickly.

3. Choose cheaper protein sourcesMeat, poultry, and fish tends to be the most expensive food category we shop from. Plant based sources can save you money. Some plant based sources include lentils, chickpeas, beans, nuts, seeds, soybeans, hummus or quinoa.

4. Buy produce in seasonThis is a great way to save money. Buying produce in season is usually cheaper and fresher than buying out of season. For example, strawberries will not be the same price all year long. They tend to be cheaper during peak strawberry season which is usually around April through June.

5. Shop frozen foods when you canIf your produce spoils too quickly or isn’t in season when you want it, look for them in the frozen food section. Frozen foods are usually frozen soon after they are picked, so they still have all the great nutrients that fresh produce contains.

In the long run, healthy eating has many benefits over that of unhealthier, and sometimes cheaper, options. Foods that are Organic and have fancy packaging do not always mean they are healthier than foods that do not have these labels. By having the right plan in place, you can save on healthy food and benefit from feeling better in the long-run (and saving on your future medical expenses).

References:

Griffin, R. M. (n.d.). Is Healthy Eating More Expensive? Retrieved January 14, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-fit-kids/features/healthy-food-cost#1

Rao, M., Afshin, A., Singh, G., & Mozaffarian, D. (2013). Do healthier foods and diet patterns cost more than less healthy options? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open,3(12). doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004277