Prices of the most nutritious foods have been rising nearly twice as fast those of unhealthy foods in recent years. But if you look beyond your local supermarkets, there are deals to be found.
Researchers at the University of Washington’s Center for Public Health Nutrition looked at prices of 378 foods and beverages between 2004 and 2008 in Seattle-area supermarket chains. They compared price increases of foods boasting the most nutrients per calorie with less healthy ones such as candy, soft drinks, and fatty items.
They found that costs of the most nutritious offerings – such as whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, vegetables, and fruit – rose by 30 percent. Costs of unhealthy foods rose by 16 percent.
Where the Food Dollar Goes
According to government analysis, for every food dollar we spend, only about 20 cents goes to farmers. The rest covers advertising, transportation, packaging, and other business costs, including non-farm labor of people who do everything but cultivate and harvest.
The non-farm 80 cents of each dollar is also costly in health terms, because it pays for food that is lower in nutrients and, generally, higher in fats or added sugars, or both. These contribute to excess weight, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
The less a food is altered between the farm and your plate, the more beneficial it is to you. An apple is more nutritious than an apple-flavored toaster pastry, obviously, but there are also more subtle differences.
Many fruits and vegetables travel long distances and wait around in storage before landing on store shelves. To look appealing, they have to be harvested before they ripen and as a result, contain lower levels of nutrients.
Organic versions of staples, including vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats, usually have the highest price tag. But the lack of pesticides and other chemicals, and hormones and antibiotics in meats and dairy foods, makes them the most valuable for our health. And, they usually taste better.
How to Find Better Prices
As a picky shopper (and eater), I know from personal experience that it pays to look beyond the traditional supermarket. Farmers’ markets are one good option.
When farmers sell direct to consumers, they can offer better prices. And, they can allow produce to ripen before it’s picked, so it tastes better and is richer in nutrients.
Granted, not all areas of the country are suited to year-round open-air markets. However, even in cold climates, many farmers sell directly to consumers during winter months.
Natural food co-ops – stores that look much like chain natural-food supermarkets but are consumer owned – are another great option. A co-op near me charges $25 per year for membership, which entitles me to extra discounts on various items and on one day per month, I receive 10 percent off on my total purchases. You don’t have to be a member to shop in the store, but it pays to join.
My co-op sells household cleaning items, skin-care products and a lot of dietary supplements as well as food, so it’s easy to save more than the cost of a membership during the year. And the employees are very knowledgeable and helpful. They like their jobs, rather than just punching a time clock, so it’s a fun place to shop.
If you aren’t already familiar with farmers’ markets, farmers that sell direct, and co-ops in your area, these are sources you can check:
To search by ZIP code, check out Local Harvest: www.localharvest.org.
For a listing of co-ops by state, visit the Coop Directory Service: www.coopdirectory.org.
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