A Global Affordability Crisis
The 2026 edition of 'The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World' (SOFI), a joint report by five UN agencies, paints a stark picture. While global hunger has seen a slight decline for the third consecutive year, the cost of a healthy diet continues
to surge, putting it beyond the reach of an estimated 2.7 billion people worldwide. That's nearly one in three people who may get enough calories to stave off hunger but cannot afford the diverse, nutrient-rich foods essential for good health and development. The average global cost of a healthy diet has risen to $4.28 per person per day, a significant increase from previous years and a figure that surpasses the international poverty line.
What Is a 'Healthy Diet'?
The UN's definition of a healthy diet goes far beyond just having enough to eat. It's not about calories from staple grains like rice and wheat alone. Instead, it emphasizes a variety of minimally processed foods from different groups. This includes fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts, and sources of protein like dairy and eggs. The report highlights a critical imbalance: while starchy staples provide about half the necessary calories, they account for only a small fraction of a healthy diet's cost. The true expense comes from nutrient-dense items like fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods, which make up nearly 70% of the total cost. This explains why families can be full but still malnourished.
The Situation in India
For India, the UN findings are particularly sobering. While the country has made significant strides in reducing undernourishment, the affordability of a truly healthy diet remains a massive challenge. According to the latest data, an estimated 520 million people in India—more than one in three—cannot afford a nutritionally adequate diet. Although this percentage has improved from previous years, the sheer number of people affected is staggering. The cost of a healthy diet in India was estimated at $4.11 per person per day in 2025. Worryingly, this cost has risen faster in India since 2017 than in developed nations like the United States, outpacing income growth for many.
Drivers of the High Cost
Several factors are converging to create a perfect storm for rising food prices. The UN report points to ongoing inflation, conflicts that disrupt supply chains, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change. Inefficiencies within the food system, from farm to table, also play a huge role. Post-farmgate activities like processing, logistics, and wholesale account for up to 75% of what consumers pay. A lack of investment in critical infrastructure like cold storage and efficient transport networks adds to the cost and waste of perishable, nutrient-dense foods.
The Hidden Costs of Unhealthy Diets
When nutritious food is unaffordable, the consequences ripple through society. It fuels the 'double burden' of malnutrition, where undernutrition and stunting in children exist alongside rising rates of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease in adults. The UN has highlighted that unhealthy diets contribute to health costs amounting to trillions of dollars globally each year. This places an immense strain on public health systems and undermines economic productivity. For families, it means a cycle of poor health, reduced potential, and persistent inequality.
