Search

Are Fruits & Vegetables More Expensive?

Layne Arceneaux-Langley

Fruits_and_Vegetables_farmers marketjpg

Myth or Fact: Fruits and vegetables are always more expensive than other foods.

Compared to a candy bar, soda, or snack grab bag, fruits and veggies are a bargain!

To test this myth/fact, I checked the prices from a big-box store of some commonly eaten foods.

One Option:

  • 1 pound cookies $3.53
  • 1 pound bag chips $3.78
  • 2 liter soda $1.74
  • ½ gallon ice cream $6.97

These 4 items will cost you $16.02.

The Healthier Option:

  • 5 pounds apples $5.47
  • 2 pounds oranges $3.13
  • 1 pound bananas $ .59
  • 3 pounds potatoes $ .97
  • 1 pound broccoli $1.48
  • 1 pound cabbage $.82
  • Bundle of Romain lettuce $1.74

These 7 items will cost you $14.20.

As you can see, the healthier option has a savings of $1.82. Fruit and vegetables are affordable. When you purchase fruits and vegetables, you are getting more nutritional value for your money. Also, think about the number of servings you can get from the fruits and vegetables you purchase not to mention the recipes you can add them to.

The chips will provide calories from fat and have sodium.

The cookies will provide calories from fat and sugar.

The soda will provide calories from sugar.

And, the ice cream will provide fat, sugars, and calories.

The fruits and vegetables on the other hand will provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Since fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals that are important to your diet, it is important that you make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

You might consider using these tips to stretch your food dollars when purchasing your fruits and vegetables:

  • Plan and shop carefully.
  • Plan meals around fruits and vegetables that go a long way. Think about those fruits and vegetables that make a great snack or that can be added to a soup or casserole.
  • Shop in season since fruits and vegetables in season are usually cheaper.
  • Add all forms: fresh, frozen, canned, 100% juice, dried, and whole to your shopping cart. Buy the cheapest form your store is selling. Remember all forms are nutritious.
  • When fruits and vegetables are on sale, buy more. They can be frozen or added to a dish that will be frozen.
  • Evaluate your shopping cart to get the most bang for your buck and the most nutrition.

Sources: USDA, www.fruitsandveggies.org, and Fruits and Veggies More Matters

12/16/2020 2:42:01 PM
Rate This Article:

Have a question or comment about the information on this page?

Innovate . Educate . Improve Lives

The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture

Top