Cost of vegetables relative to the starchy staples in a least-cost healthy diet

Definition

Cost of the least expensive vegetables 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 vegetables 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