Although the recommendation to “just eat healthy food” is interventionally, anyone who has ever entered a grocery shop will tell you that it’s not inexpensive. The fresh produce, meats, and fruits are usually found near the outside of the store, so shopping there can get expensive. In the meanwhile, frozen snacks and meals are reasonably priced. What then appears to be a cost associated with selecting healthier options?
I dil Karst recently wrote a piece for CNBC that offers some useful background. When considering nutritious meals like veggies or seafood, take into account the supply chain: It is imperative to expeditiously and efficiently transport, store, and then refill fresh food after its expiration dates. The desire for out-of-season fruit types drives up the cost of transportation. Labour shortages also have an impact on the collection and shipping of fresh food.
Food that is shelf-stable, however, does not have to travel to retailers as quickly. Furthermore, because of the preservatives, they can remain dormant for months at a time after they are there, making them a less-than-ideal choice in terms of general health. When you combine that with the lower cost associated with producing it in large quantities, you have a less expensive option that is also less nutrient-dense. Generally speaking, junk food is less expensive per calorie than nutrient-dense meals.
As a result, consumers should exercise caution when purchasing healthful foods. In a Cleveland Clinic survey conducted in 2023 among 1000 Americans, 46% of participants stated that the expense of fresh food prevented them from eating well, while 45% said they regularly buy fast food that is also less expensive.
Eating properly on a tight budget is more difficult, but it’s still doable. It can be beneficial to stick to in-season, fresh food that is less expensive to transport. Choosing frozen veggies, which have nearly the same nutrients as fresh veggies, can also help. Additionally, keep in mind that you can buy certain pantry staples in bulk and they will still be beneficial to you, such as lentils.Although the recommendation to “just eat healthy food” is well – intentioned, anyone who has ever entered a grocery shop will tell you that it’s not inexpensive. The fresh produce, meats, and fruits are usually found near the outside of the store, so shopping there can get expensive. In the meanwhile, frozen snacks and meals are reasonably priced. What then appears to be a cost associated with selecting healthier options?
Idil Karsit recently wrote a piece for CNBC that offers some useful background. When considering nutritious meals like veggies or seafood, take into account the supply chain: It is imperative to expeditiously and efficiently transport, store, and then refill fresh food after its expiration dates. The desire for out-of-season fruit types drives up the cost of transportation. Labour shortages also have an impact on the collection and shipping of fresh food.
Food that is shelf-stable, however, does not have to travel to retailers as quickly. Furthermore, because of the preservatives, they can remain dormant for months at a time after they are there, making them a less-than-ideal choice in terms of general health. When you combine that with the lower cost associated with producing it in large quantities, you have a less expensive option that is also less nutrient-dense. Generally speaking, junk food is less expensive per calorie than nutrient-dense meals.
As a result, consumers should exercise caution when purchasing healthful foods. In a Cleveland Clinic survey conducted in 2023 among 1000 Americans, 46% of participants stated that the expense of fresh food prevented them from eating well, while 45% said they regularly buy fast food that is also less expensive.
Eating properly on a tight budget is more difficult, but it’s still doable. It can be beneficial to stick to in-season, fresh food that is less expensive to transport. Choosing frozen veggies, which have nearly the same nutrients as fresh veggies, can also help. Additionally, keep in mind that you can buy certain pantry staples in bulk and they will still be beneficial to you, such as lentils.