Cost of oils and fats relative to the starchy staples in a least-cost healthy diet

Definition

Cost of the least expensive oils and fats as a multiple of the least expensive starchy staples to meet intake levels recommended in food-based dietary guidelines. Data available for 2017.

Relevance

Shows the relative cost of the recommended amount per day of oils and fats compared to the recommended amount per day of starchy staples. A ratio greater than 1 indicates a high-cost food group. A ratio less than 1 indicates the food group costs less than the cost of starchy staples.

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