Fruits and vegetables are still inexpensive enough that Americans can eat an adequate amount for a few dollars a day, according to USDA economists.
The Economic Research Service evaluated combinations of fruits and vegetables that would meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines of Americans for a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet.
The ERS analysis found that it was possible to meet the recommendations for about $2.50 to $3 per day in 2022.
For example, servings of grapefruit juice, apple, tomato, potato and pinto beans would have cost $2.60 in 2022. Another combination, consisting of orange juice, grapes, lettuce, carrots, green beans and celery, would have cost $2.67.
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The report noted that fresh fruits and vegetables aren't necessarily more or less expensive than processed versions.
"If you are making a spinach and cheese quiche, it is more economical to buy spinach frozen ($1.10 per cup equivalent) or canned ($0.90 per cup equivalent) than fresh ($1.77 per cup equivalent). However, if you are making carrot soup, fresh carrots are the less expensive way to go at [38 cents] per cup equivalent," the ERS report said.
The report didn't include cost estimates for 2023 or 2024. But the overall cost of fruits and vegetables rose 2.5% in 2023 and is forecast to increase 2.2% in 2024, according to a separate ERS report.
