The Mediterranean diet: does it have to cost more?

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health
• Dietary Research

Background:

• The Mediterranean diet is recognized for its health benefits.
• Affordability and energy density are key factors in dietary change.
• Obesity is a significant global health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Mediterranean diet as an affordable, low-energy-density model for dietary modification.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness of Mediterranean diet foods.

Main Methods:

• Identified foods characteristic of the Mediterranean diet using established criteria.
• Analyzed energy density (kJ/100 g) of these foods.
• Examined nutrient density in relation to energy cost ($/MJ) and nutrient cost.

Main Results:

• Some nutrient-dense, low-energy-density Mediterranean foods were found to be expensive.
• However, other foods fitting the Mediterranean dietary pattern were affordable.
• Variability exists in the cost-effectiveness of Mediterranean diet components.

Conclusions:

• The Mediterranean diet provides a socially acceptable framework for a nutrient-rich diet.
• It facilitates the inclusion of grains, pulses, legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruits.
• Further research is needed to balance nutrition, affordability, and social norms.
• The Mediterranean diet can be a valuable tool in addressing the global obesity epidemic.