Healthy food costs more than double less healthy options

A new analysis reveals that the price of healthy food is more than double that of an equivalent portion of unhealthy food. Research by the Food Foundation found that 1,000 calories of healthy food, such as fruits and vegetables, cost £8.80, while the same amount of unhealthy food, like ready meals and processed meats, cost £4.30.

The charity warns that low-income families are unable to afford a healthy diet due to high food prices. The government has stated its commitment to launching a national food strategy to address unhealthy eating. The analysis examined the average prices of 450 items used by the UK Office for National Statistics to calculate monthly inflation rates, and the nutritional value of the foods was graded based on guidance from the Food Standards Agency.

The analysis indicates that the price gap between healthy and unhealthy food has widened over the past two years, with healthy food prices increasing by 21% and unhealthy food prices rising by 11%. The charity warns that of the estimated 8 million households facing food insecurity in 2024, around 60% have reduced their fruit purchases and 44% have cut back on vegetables. The research found that the poorest families need to spend 45% of their disposable income on food to afford the government’s recommended healthy diet, a figure that rises to 70% for families with children.

Colette, a mother of two who works three jobs, including home care work and singing teaching, says: "Sometimes going into a normal supermarket, even some of the cheaper ones, is incredibly depressing. It's crazy when you think 'I haven't even got a bag of stuff and I've spent £20.'" She uses her local "Bread and Butter" food pantry, which sells surplus food that would otherwise go to landfill to the local community. For £8.50, she can buy three bags of items: fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen food, and staples. "I want to provide for my kids. I don't want to feel like a total failure as a mum, not being able to provide a decent dinner every night."

Up to 75 families a week use the "Bread and Butter" food pantry in south Manchester. Julie, 59, who is unable to work due to ill health, says she would be lost without access to cheap food at the pantry. "I wish I didn't have to worry about money when I go to the shops. I've been in a panic at the till, worrying I haven't got enough," she said. Julsine, who has two-year-old twins, says she is determined to feed them healthy food, even if it costs more. "For your children, you have to buy the expensive stuff, you have no choice. If the supermarkets could bring the prices down, it would make a massive difference."

Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, says parents are being "set up to fail." "Trying to get your kids to eat well on a low income is like walking a tightrope." The Food Foundation is calling on the government to incentivize businesses to make healthy food more affordable. "This is a key moment for the government to really learn the lessons of the past and put in place incentives to produce nutritious food at an affordable price," Ms. Taylor told the BBC. Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner said the report highlighted the issues the government's proposed national food strategy will address. "We can't do this alone, which is why we're working with people across the food industry to use their expertise to overhaul the sector," he said.

How to save money on food? Start by checking your cupboards to see what you already have; look in the reduced section first for anything you need; buy food that is close to its best-before date, which will be cheaper, and make use of your freezer. Click here for more tips.