Meal cost analysis: health food store versus conventional food sources
Lekon, B.M.; Kris-Etherton, P.M.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 79(4): 456-458
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 7288054 Document Number: 180795
The daily cost of a 4-day menu using foods purchased entirely at a health food store was 8 to 47% higher than that of an identical menu using foods purchased at a regular supermarket. Daily cost of an economical meal plan which combined low cost foods purchased from both stores was 37% and 7-14% lower than the same menu in which all items were bought at a health food store and supermarket respectively. Price comparison of selected items indicates that unpackaged items such as honey, peanut butter, oats, raisins, etc., are cheaper in health food stores where they are sold in bulk; packaged items and prepared foods are less expensive in a supermarket. It is possible to cut food costs by careful shopping. (nm)