A healthy diet is too expensive for one in three people globally, according to a new UN report that reveals 2.69 billion people cannot afford diverse, nutritious food. The annual State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report from five UN agencies highlights the urgent need for action on food affordability and nutrition.
Global Hunger Declines, But Healthy Diet Remains Out of Reach
The report shows global hunger declined for a third consecutive year in 2025, with 7.8% of people affected, down from 8.1% in 2024. However, the proportion of people unable to afford a healthy diet remains “extremely high,” said Maximo Torero, chief economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization. The cost of a healthy diet is calculated at 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day, significantly above the extreme poverty line of $3 PPP per person.
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Why Is a Healthy Diet So Expensive?
Government policies have historically subsidized cereals and starchy staples rather than nutrient-dense foods like meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. This focus on calories over dietary diversity contributes to rising obesity and chronic diseases. The World Health Organization reports adult obesity rose from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024.
Key Factors Behind High Costs
- Subsidies favoring staple crops over diverse foods
- Inefficient supply chains driving up prices
- Lack of investment in infrastructure and research
- Economic inequality limiting purchasing power
Comparison of Healthy Diet Costs vs. Poverty Line
| Metric | Cost (PPP dollars per day) |
|---|---|
| Healthy diet | $4.28 |
| Extreme poverty line | $3.00 |
| Gap | $1.28 |
This $1.28 gap means that for billions, a healthy diet is financially out of reach, forcing reliance on cheaper, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor options. Torero emphasized the urgency: “Obesity is growing at a very steep level, so we need to work intensively to minimize those risks.”
Solutions and Path Forward
The report calls for investment in infrastructure, research, and development to make supply chains more efficient. Modeling suggests that improved logistics and targeted subsidies could reduce the cost of nutritious foods. Governments must shift from subsidizing staples to supporting diverse, healthy options.
Key Takeaways
- 2.69 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet
- Healthy diet costs 4.28 PPP dollars/day vs. $3 poverty line
- Adult obesity rose from 12.1% to 16.2% since 2012
- Policy changes and infrastructure investment are critical
FAQ
What is considered a healthy diet according to the UN?
A healthy diet meets energy and nutrient needs with diverse foods including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, not just calories from staples.
How many people globally cannot afford a healthy diet?
The UN report finds 2.69 billion people—one in three globally—cannot afford a healthy diet.
What is the cost of a healthy diet compared to the poverty line?
A healthy diet costs 4.28 PPP dollars per day, while the extreme poverty line is $3 PPP per day, creating a significant affordability gap.
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