The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported on July 15 that the cost of a healthy diet has increased by 25% over the past five years globally [1, 2, 3, 4]. This rise means approximately 2.69 billion people, nearly one-third of the world's population, cannot afford a healthy diet as of mid-2026. "As a result, 2.69 billion people – almost one in every three people in the world – still cannot afford a healthy diet," said Maximo Torero Cullen, FAO's Chief Economist [2].

On average, a healthy diet costs US$4.28 per person per day in purchasing power parity terms, highlighting a significant financial barrier for many households worldwide [1, 2, 3, 4]. Food costs break down as animal products accounting for about 30%, fruits and vegetables 16%, and staple foods such as beans and grains approximately 13% of the total [1, 2, 3, 4]. Torero Cullen explained that "Between 70 and 75 per cent of the cost of a healthy diet is generated after food leaves the farm," pointing to infrastructure, logistics, and other post-farm factors as major contributors [2].

Regionally, Latin America, especially the Caribbean, faces the highest costs for healthy diets globally. This may be linked to a focus on food exports rather than producing enough to lower local prices. "The part of the world with the highest costs was Latin America, specifically the Caribbean, possibly due to the emphasis on exporting food products rather than creating enough to lower local prices," noted Torero Cullen [4].

Local food production offers a way to significantly reduce costs, particularly in Africa, where it could cut healthy diet prices by almost 80% [2, 3, 4]. The FAO recommends governments shift subsidies from staple cereals like rice and wheat toward nutrient-rich foods to improve affordability [1, 2, 3, 4].

Looking ahead, two main risks threaten food prices in 2026: a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz that could disrupt fertilizer supplies, and the expected peak of a strong El Nino weather pattern later this year, both of which could push prices higher [3, 4].

The full 2026 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report is due to be released at the FAO headquarters in Rome on July 21 [1, 2, 3, 4].