Sustainable Eating: Grocery store transforms into a forest.

Is Sustainable Eating Just a Myth? Unveiling the Truth About Food Prices and the Environment

Jordan Keane in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive into the groundbreaking study that explores the connection between what we pay for food and its impact on our planet. Discover whether healthier, eco-friendly choices are truly out of reach."

Our food choices have a profound effect, not only on our bodies but also on the planet we call home. As environmental crises intensify, including climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, the food systems that sustain us are increasingly under scrutiny. Food production accounts for a staggering one-third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of freshwater use. As consumers, we're constantly bombarded with information about sustainable eating, but what does it really mean, and more importantly, is it affordable?

For many, the perception is that healthier, more environmentally friendly foods come with a hefty price tag. This idea is reinforced by the fact that products marketed as 'healthy' or 'sustainable' often command premium prices. But is this always the case? Are we trapped in a system where doing right by the planet means emptying our wallets?

A groundbreaking study published in Lancet Planetary Health challenges these assumptions. By examining retail food prices across 181 countries, researchers have uncovered fascinating insights into the relationship between food costs, environmental impacts, and nutritional value. This article delves into the study's key findings, offering a fresh perspective on how we can make more sustainable food choices without breaking the bank.

Decoding the Cost of Sustainability: Key Findings at a Glance

Sustainable Eating: Grocery store transforms into a forest.

The study, led by Elena M. Martinez and her team at Tufts University, analyzed data from 811 retail food items sold in 181 countries between 2011 and 2017. They matched these prices with estimated carbon and water footprints, as well as nutritional profile scores, to determine whether healthier, more environmentally sustainable foods are indeed more expensive.

Here’s a breakdown of the most significant findings:

Lower Price, Lower Impact: Within almost all food groups, less expensive items had significantly lower carbon and water footprints. This suggests that budget-conscious consumers can often make environmentally sound choices without extra cost.
Animal Source Foods (ASFs) are the Exception: The association between price and environmental impact was strongest for animal source foods. A 10% lower price was associated with 20 grams less CO2-equivalent carbon and 5 liters less water footprint per 100kcal. This highlights the significant environmental cost associated with meat and dairy production.
Nutritional Value is Complicated: The relationship between price and nutritional profile varied by food group, price range, and nutritional attribute. Lower-priced items had lower nutritional value in only some groups over some price ranges, and that relationship was sometimes reversed.

These findings reveal a nuanced picture, suggesting that the affordability of sustainable diets isn't a simple black-and-white issue. While less expensive options often have a lower environmental impact, nutritional trade-offs may exist, depending on the food group.

Making Informed Choices: A Path Towards Sustainable and Affordable Eating

The study's findings offer a beacon of hope for consumers seeking to align their dietary choices with their environmental values. By demonstrating that less expensive food items often have lower environmental impacts, the research challenges the notion that sustainable eating is exclusively for the wealthy. However, it also underscores the importance of making informed choices and considering nutritional trade-offs. As the authors conclude, comprehensive and standardized food labeling systems are essential to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to navigate the complex landscape of food prices, environmental impacts, and nutritional profiles. With greater awareness and access to information, we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food system.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2401.13159,

Title: Environmental Impacts, Nutritional Profiles, And Retail Prices Of Commonly Sold Retail Food Items In 181 Countries: An Observational Study

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Elena M. Martinez, Nicole Tichenor Blackstone, Parke E. Wilde, Anna W. Herforth, William A. Masters

Published: 23-01-2024

Everything You Need To Know

Does eating sustainably have to be expensive?

The study from *Lancet Planetary Health*, which examined retail food prices across 181 countries, suggests that sustainable eating doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. The research indicates that less expensive food items often have lower carbon and water footprints. However, it's not a straightforward issue, as nutritional trade-offs may exist, depending on the food group. Therefore, consumers can make environmentally conscious choices without always incurring higher costs, but it requires informed decision-making.

How do animal source foods (ASFs) factor into the cost and environmental impact of sustainable eating?

Animal Source Foods (ASFs) are an exception to the general trend of lower prices aligning with lower environmental impact. The study found a strong association between the price and environmental impact of ASFs, with lower prices generally correlating with lower carbon and water footprints. Specifically, a 10% lower price in ASFs was associated with 20 grams less CO2-equivalent carbon and 5 liters less water footprint per 100kcal. This emphasizes the substantial environmental cost associated with meat and dairy production, making it a critical area for consumers to consider when aiming for sustainable diets.

What role does nutritional value play in the affordability of sustainable diets?

The relationship between price and nutritional value is complex and varies by food group, price range, and nutritional attribute. The study indicated that lower-priced items had lower nutritional value in only some food groups over certain price ranges, and this relationship could sometimes be reversed. This complexity highlights the importance of consumers being informed about the nutritional content of their food choices, as simply opting for less expensive options may sometimes result in nutritional trade-offs. Comprehensive food labeling systems are essential to help consumers navigate these complexities and make informed decisions.

Why is food labeling so important for achieving sustainable and affordable eating?

Comprehensive and standardized food labeling systems are crucial for empowering consumers to make informed choices that align with both their environmental values and nutritional needs. These systems can provide clear information about the carbon and water footprints of different food items, as well as their nutritional profiles. This knowledge enables consumers to navigate the complex landscape of food prices, environmental impacts, and nutritional trade-offs effectively, fostering a healthier and more sustainable food system. Without such labeling, consumers may struggle to identify the most sustainable and nutritious options within their budget.

Beyond individual consumer choices, what broader implications does the study have for the food industry and policymakers in promoting sustainable eating?

The study's findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies involving the food industry and policymakers to promote sustainable eating effectively. The industry can play a significant role by adopting more sustainable production practices, reducing the environmental impact of Animal Source Foods (ASFs), and developing affordable, nutritious, and environmentally friendly food options. Policymakers can support these efforts by implementing standardized food labeling systems, incentivizing sustainable agriculture, and educating the public about the importance of informed food choices. These coordinated efforts can help create a food system that is both environmentally sustainable and accessible to all consumers, regardless of their economic status.