Healthy Food Can Be Cheaper Than Ultra-Processed Options in Romania

Contrary to the widespread belief that healthy eating is expensive, a new analysis reveals that a diet based on simple ingredients can actually be more economical than consuming ultra-processed foods. The perception that a balanced diet requires premium products or organic items is often inaccurate when actual costs are compared.

Recent analyses indicate that the price gap between healthy and ultra-processed food options has significantly decreased. In some cases, choosing healthier ingredients and preparing meals at home proves to be the more budget-friendly option. For instance, a monthly food budget for two people following a balanced diet is estimated between 3,420-4,020 lei, while an ultra-processed diet could cost between 4,320-4,920 lei. This difference translates to potential annual savings of over 10,000 lei for a family.

When comparing individual shopping baskets, the difference may be less pronounced but still favors healthier choices. A basket of healthy foods like meat, dairy, vegetables, and fruits costs approximately 385 lei, whereas a basket of frozen pizzas, processed meats, snacks, and sugary drinks totals around 431 lei. This suggests that foods often perceived as "healthier" are not necessarily more expensive, especially when compared to convenience foods high in nutritional value but low in cost-effectiveness.

Nutrition consultant Olivia Niță highlights that recent price increases have further narrowed the gap, making balanced diets nearly as affordable, and sometimes cheaper, than diets heavy in ultra-processed items. The daily cost comparison also supports this trend, with a balanced daily menu estimated at 57-67 lei, compared to 72-82 lei for a menu dominated by ultra-processed products like frozen burgers and processed meats.