The Reason Why Healthier Food Is Frequently Expensive Than Junk Food

Although the advice to "just eat healthy food" is well-intentioned, anyone who has ever entered a grocery store will tell you that it's not inexpensive. The fresh produce, meats, and fruits are usually found around the perimeter of the store, so shopping there can get expensive. In the meantime, frozen snacks and meals are reasonably priced. What then appears to be a cost associated with selecting healthy options?

Here's some useful background from a recent CNBC report by Idil Karsit. Take into account the supply chain when imagining nutritious foods like veggies or fish. Once it has passed its expiration date, fresh food must be stored, transported swiftly, and then replenished. Transport expenses for fruits are increased by consumer demand for out-of-season varieties. The collection and shipping of fresh food can be impacted by labor shortages as well.

Food that is shelf-stable, however, does not require a quick trip to the store. Because of the preservatives, they are a relatively less-than-ideal choice for general health, and once it is there, it can remain inactive for months at a time. Combining that with the lower cost associated with producing it in large quantities results in a less expensive—though still nutrient-dense—option. For every calorie, junk food is usually less expensive than nutrient-dense food.

Overall, this means that people may be leery of eating healthful food. In a 2023 Cleveland Clinic survey of one thousand Americans, 46% of participants said that the price of fresh food prevented them from eating better, and 45% said they at least once a week bought fast food that was also less expensive.

Although it's more difficult, eating well on a budget is still feasible. Maintaining a diet of in-season, fresh food can help cut down on transportation costs. Choosing frozen vegetables can also be beneficial, as they provide nearly the same nutrients as fresh ones. Moreover, keep in mind that you can buy certain pantry staples in large quantities and they will still be nutritious, such as lentils.