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How Much Do Fruits and Vegetables Cost?
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Abstract
Federal dietary guidance advises Americans to consume more vegetables and fruits because most Americans do not consume the recommended quantities or variety. Food prices, along with taste, convenience, income, and awareness of the link between diet and health, shape food choices. We used 2008 Nielsen Homescan data to estimate the average price at retail stores of a pound and an edible cup equivalent (or, for juices, a pint and an edible cup equivalent) of 153 commonly consumed fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. We found that average prices ranged from less than 20 cents per edible cup equivalent to more than 2perediblecupequivalent.Wealsofoundthat,in2008,anadultona2,000âcaloriedietcouldsatisfyrecommendationsforvegetableandfruitconsumptioninthe2010DietaryGuidelinesforAmericans(amountsandvariety)atanaveragepriceof2 to $2.50 per day, or approximately 50 cents per edible cup equivalent.food prices, food budgeting, fruit and vegetable consumption, 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,