Healthy Diet Too Expensive: UN Report Finds 1 in 3 Can't Afford It 2026

A healthy diet is now too expensive for one in three people worldwide, according to a new UN report that highlights the deepening crisis of food affordability. The 2026 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, produced by five UN agencies, reveals that 2.69 billion people cannot afford a diverse diet meeting their energy and nutrient needs. This staggering figure underscores the immense challenge of achieving zero hunger by 2030.

The Cost of a Healthy Diet vs. Poverty

The report calculates the global average cost of a healthy diet at 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day. By contrast, the extreme poverty line is just $3 PPP per person per day. This means that even basic access to nutritious food remains out of reach for hundreds of millions living near or below the poverty threshold.

Why Healthy Eating Remains Out of Reach

Chief economist Maximo Torero of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) explained that government policies have traditionally subsidized cereals and starchy staples, not meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. This focus provides calories but lacks dietary diversity, leading to rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Adult obesity has climbed from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024, according to World Health Organization data.

The Hidden Costs of Unhealthy Diets

The report calls the situation “extremely urgent.” Without systemic change, the hidden costs of poor nutrition—healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and environmental damage—will continue to grow. Torero urges investment in infrastructure, research, and development to make healthy foods more accessible and affordable.

Key Takeaways from the UN Report

• 1 in 3 people globally cannot afford a healthy diet.
• The cost of a healthy diet ($4.28 PPP) is 42% higher than the extreme poverty line ($3.00 PPP).
• Hunger declined for the third consecutive year, but progress is fragile.
• Adult obesity rates are climbing sharply, reaching 16.2% in 2024.
• Policy shifts toward subsidizing diverse, nutritious foods are urgently needed.

Comparison of Regions and Affordability

The report highlights stark regional disparities. In Africa, the proportion of people unable to afford a healthy diet remains extremely high, though the upward trend in hunger is beginning to stabilize. More efficient supply chains and targeted interventions could narrow the gap between the cost of healthy eating and what households can pay.

FAQ

Addressing the healthy diet affordability crisis requires coordinated global effort. Without urgent action, the twin burdens of hunger and obesity will continue to weigh on billions of lives.