The Relative Costs of High- vs. Low-Energy-Density Foods and More vs. Less Healthful Beverages Consumed by Children.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare grocery costs between relatively high energy density foods and sugar-sweetened/high-fat beverages and lower energy density foods and more healthful beverages in children's diets. METHODS: Sixty foods were divided into high and low energy density baskets. Fourteen beverages were designated to either basket based on fat and added-sugar content. Prices were collected at 60 grocery stores and composite costs compared between baskets using Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: The cost per kilogram of high energy density foods was greater, but the cost per quart of sugar-sweetened/high-fat beverages was lower than more healthful beverages. The cost per 1000 calories and the cost per serving of the high energy density basket were lower. CONCLUSIONS: The relative cost of high and low energy density foods in children's diets depends on how cost is quantified. "Pound-for-pound," lower energy density foods and more healthful beverages are generally less expensive, but high energy density foods and less healthful beverages are cheaper per serving. Cost metrics including other factors (e.g. time cost) may further clarify the role of grocery prices in children's diets.