Geographic Differences in the Relative Price of Healthy Foods

40 Pages Posted: 22 Jul 2012

See all articles by Jessica Erin Todd

Jessica Erin Todd

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS)

Ephraim Leibtag

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS)

Date Written: June 1, 2011

Abstract

Although healthy foods can be affordable, if less healthy foods are cheaper, individuals may have an economic incentive to consume a less healthful diet. Using the Quarterly Food-at-Home Price Database, we explore whether a select set of healthy foods (whole grains, dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, whole fruit, skim and 1% milk, fruit juice, and bottled water) are more expensive than less healthy alternatives. We find that not all healthy foods are more expensive than less healthy alternatives; skim and 1% milk are less expensive than whole and 2% milk and bottled water is generally less expensive than carbonated nonalcoholic drinks. We also find considerable geographic variation in the relative price of healthy foods. This price variation may contribute to geographic variation in diet and health outcomes.

Keywords: Quarterly Food-at-Home Price Database (QFAHPD), healthy food, price, geographic variation

Suggested Citation

Todd, Jessica Erin and Leibtag, Ephraim, Geographic Differences in the Relative Price of Healthy Foods (June 1, 2011). USDA-ERS Economic Information Bulletin No. 78, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2114482 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2114482

Jessica Erin Todd (Contact Author)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS) ( email )

355 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024-3221
United States
(202) 694-5363 (Phone)

Ephraim Leibtag

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS) ( email )

355 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024-3221
United States
202-694-5349 (Phone)

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