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The global cost of a healthy diet has surged by 25 percent over the last five years, making it unaffordable for approximately one-third of the world's population. Figures released by the United Nations highlight the growing challenge of accessing nutritious food.

According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization's 2026 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, a healthy diet now requires an average daily expenditure of $4.28 in purchasing power parity dollars per person. This significant price hike means that 2.69 billion people worldwide cannot afford to eat healthily.

The report also noted disparities in the cost of different food groups. While staple foods like beans and grains constitute 13 percent of a healthy diet's cost, animal products make up nearly 30 percent, and fruits and vegetables account for 16 percent. These figures underscore the economic barriers to healthy eating on a global scale.

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As a result, 2.69 billion people -- almost one in every three people in the world -- still cannot afford a healthy diet.