Cost of a healthy diet relative to the cost of sufficient energy from starchy staples

Definition

Ratio between the cost of a healthy diet that meets food-based dietary guidelines and the cost of caloric adequacy that uses only starchy staples to meet energy requirements. Data available for 2017.

Relevance

Used to demonstrate the actual cost of healthy diets, in comparison to a low-cost food group.

Additional Information

Herforth, A., Venkat, A., Bai, Y., Costlow, L., Holleman, C. & Masters, W.A. 2022. Methods and options to monitor the cost and affordability of a healthy diet globally. Background paper for The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022. FAO Agricultural Development Economics Working Paper 22-03. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc1169en