Nutrient density and cost of commonly consumed foods: A South African perspective
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
Food-based dietary guidelines promote consumption of a variety of nutritious foods for optimal health and prevention of chronic disease. However, adherence
to these guidelines is challenging because of high food costs. The present study aimed to determine the nutrient density of foods relative to cost in
South Africa, with the aim to identify foods within food groups with the best nutritional value per cost. A checklist of 116 food items was developed to
record the type, unit, brand and cost of foods. Food prices were obtained from the websites of three national supermarkets and the average cost per 100 g
edible portion was used to calculate cost per 100 kcal (418 kJ) for each food item. Nutrient content of the food items was obtained from the South African
Food Composition Tables. Nutrient density was calculated using the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF9.3) Index. Nutrient density relative to cost was calculated as
NRF9.3/price per 100 kcal. Vegetables and fruits had the highest NRF9.3 score and cost per 100 kcal. Overall, pulses had the highest nutritional value per
cost. Fortified maizemeal porridge and bread had the best nutritional value per cost within the starchy food group. Foods with the least nutritional value per
cost were fats, oils, foods high in fat and sugar, and foods and drinks high in sugar. Analysis of nutrient density and cost of foods can be used to develop
tools to guide low-income consumers to make healthier food choices by identifying foods with the best nutritional value per cost.
Description
Keywords
Food price, NutrientRich Food Index, South Africa, NRF9.3
Citation
Madlala, S. S., et al. (2023). Nutrient density and cost of commonly consumed foods: A south african perspective. Journal of Nutritional Science, 12 doi:10.1017/jns.2022.119