A new review looked at how countries around the world are trying to make healthy food more affordable. Right now, billions of people can’t afford to eat well because food prices keep going up. Researchers found that some countries are tracking food prices better and trying new policies to help, but most of these efforts don’t last long enough to really make a difference. The study suggests that governments need to work together with other groups and use better data to create lasting solutions that make nutritious food cheaper and easier to access for everyone.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How different countries are monitoring food prices, what policies governments are using to make healthy food cheaper, and what research is needed to solve the problem of expensive nutritious food
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research and policies from countries worldwide, not a study with individual participants. Researchers looked at data and programs from high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries
  • Key finding: While some countries are getting better at tracking food prices and trying new policies to help people afford healthy food, most government programs don’t continue long enough to create real, lasting change
  • What it means for you: If you struggle to afford healthy food, know that this is a widespread problem that governments are starting to recognize. However, real solutions will require governments to commit to long-term changes and work together with other organizations, not just quick fixes

The Research Details

This was a review study, which means researchers didn’t conduct their own experiment. Instead, they looked at and summarized what other countries and researchers have already done to address expensive healthy food. They examined three main areas: how countries measure and track food prices, what policies governments have created to help people afford healthy food, and what future research is needed.

The researchers looked at examples from countries at all income levels—rich countries, middle-income countries, and poorer countries. They wanted to understand what’s working, what’s not working, and what needs to happen next to make nutritious food affordable for everyone.

This type of review is important because it brings together information from many different countries and programs in one place. Instead of looking at one country’s efforts, researchers can see patterns about what works and what doesn’t. This helps policymakers understand the big picture and learn from other countries’ successes and failures

This is a comprehensive review published in a respected nutrition journal. The researchers looked at real-world policies and programs rather than just laboratory studies, which makes it practical and relevant. However, because it’s a review of existing work rather than new research, the strength of conclusions depends on the quality of the studies and programs they reviewed. The findings represent current thinking in nutrition policy but may change as new evidence emerges

What the Results Show

The review found that countries are developing better ways to track how much healthy food costs. Having good price data helps governments see which foods are becoming too expensive and where they need to help people. This transparency can also show problems in the food industry that need fixing.

However, the biggest problem the researchers found is that government programs to help people afford healthy food usually don’t last. Many policies are temporary or short-term, which means people get help for a while but then the program ends. This doesn’t create real, lasting change in food affordability.

The review emphasizes that making healthy food affordable requires more than just one government program. It needs long-term commitment from governments working together with other organizations like schools, hospitals, and community groups. It also requires understanding the political and economic reasons why food is expensive in the first place.

The researchers found that many government policies fail because of conflicts of interest—for example, when food industry companies influence policy decisions in ways that protect their profits rather than help people afford healthy food. They also noted that different groups (government, businesses, nonprofits, and communities) often don’t work together well enough to create effective solutions. The review suggests that better data platforms and clearer policy solutions are needed to help diverse groups work toward the same goal of affordable, healthy food

This review builds on growing recognition that food affordability is a major global health problem. Previous research has shown that healthy diets cost more than unhealthy ones, and that many people choose cheap, processed foods because they can’t afford fresh, nutritious options. This review goes further by examining what governments are actually doing about it and why many efforts haven’t worked as well as hoped. It suggests that the problem isn’t just about money—it’s also about politics, industry influence, and the need for coordinated action

Because this is a review of existing work rather than new research, the conclusions are only as strong as the studies and programs being reviewed. The review covers global efforts, but information may be more complete for some countries than others. The researchers didn’t conduct their own experiments, so they couldn’t test new solutions. Additionally, the political and economic factors that affect food prices are complex and constantly changing, so some findings may become outdated quickly

The Bottom Line

Based on this review, here are evidence-based steps that could help: (1) Governments should create long-term, sustained programs to make healthy food cheaper, not just temporary fixes (high confidence). (2) Countries should work together and share data about food prices and what policies work best (moderate-to-high confidence). (3) Governments need to address the underlying reasons food is expensive, including industry practices and broader economic factors (moderate confidence). (4) Multiple organizations—government, schools, businesses, and communities—should coordinate their efforts rather than working separately (moderate confidence)

Everyone should care about this issue because food affordability affects billions of people worldwide. If you struggle to afford healthy food, this research validates that the problem is real and systemic, not your fault. Policymakers and government officials should use these findings to create better, longer-lasting programs. Food industry leaders should consider how their practices affect food prices. Community organizations and nonprofits can use this information to advocate for better policies. Healthcare providers should understand that food affordability is a major barrier to healthy eating for many patients

Changes in food affordability won’t happen overnight. If governments implement the long-term policies this review recommends, it could take several years to see meaningful improvements in food prices and people’s ability to afford healthy diets. Short-term programs might help immediately, but lasting change requires sustained effort over many years

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your weekly spending on healthy foods (fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins) versus processed foods. Record the actual prices you pay and note any changes over time. This personal data helps you understand food affordability in your own life and can contribute to broader awareness of price trends
  • Use the app to find local resources that help with food affordability, such as food assistance programs, community gardens, bulk buying groups, or stores with lower prices. Set reminders to check for sales on healthy foods and plan meals around what’s affordable that week. Share your food price observations with others to build awareness about affordability challenges
  • Over the next 3-6 months, track how food prices change in your area and whether any new government programs or community initiatives launch to help with food affordability. Use the app to document which strategies help you afford healthy food and which don’t. This long-term tracking helps you adapt to changing prices and identify what works best for your situation

This review summarizes research on food affordability policies and does not provide personal medical or nutritional advice. If you have concerns about affording healthy food or meeting your nutritional needs, please consult with a healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or local food assistance programs. Government policies and food prices vary by location and change over time. This information is current as of the publication date but may not reflect recent policy changes in your area. Always verify current food assistance programs and policies with your local government or community organizations.