Can America’s New Food Pyramid Feed Both Your Health and Your Wallet? We asked the experts, and their answers might surprise you.
Here’s the deal: The MAHA food pyramid promises a healthier, more affordable way to eat. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins claims a meal following these guidelines could cost as little as three dollars, featuring staples like pork, eggs, whole milk, and fresh produce. Calley Means, an advisor to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., even shared a Walmart receipt showing a guidelines-approved cart with ground beef and full-fat yogurt costing less than one loaded with ultra-processed foods. Sounds great, right? But here's where it gets controversial...
While ditching ultra-processed foods is undoubtedly a win, some nutrition experts are raising eyebrows at the pyramid’s emphasis on beef and beef tallow. These foods, while protein-rich, are high in saturated fat and often come with a heftier price tag compared to chicken or plant-based alternatives like beans and tofu.
And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about the cost per item. Food economists and nutritionists agree that affordability is a complex issue. Yes, whole foods like plain dairy, canned beans, and tinned fish are budget-friendly and nutrient-dense. But the pyramid also includes pricier items like shrimp and ribeye steak, and its recommendation to double protein intake could significantly increase grocery bills. Joelle Johnson from the Center for Science in the Public Interest warns, “That recommendation, along with choosing higher-fat dairy, would likely have the biggest impact on a person’s food expenses.”
So, is it truly affordable? The answer depends on your income, location, and how you interpret the guidelines. Food prices have skyrocketed in recent years due to factors like the pandemic, bird flu, droughts, and tariffs. While prices are stabilizing, they’re unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels. A person’s idea of “affordable” varies drastically. In 2023, the lowest-income households in the US spent around $14 daily on food, while the highest-income households spent nearly $47.
Here’s the real kicker: Affordability isn’t just about the price tag. It’s about time. Jerold Mande, a former policymaker, emphasizes, “The most important [cost] is the time cost” – the hours spent planning, shopping, and preparing meals. A bag of dried chickpeas might be cheap, but soaking and cooking them takes time – a luxury not everyone has.
Is it worth the effort? Amelia Finaret, a dietician and food economist, tested the pyramid using a cost-analysis spreadsheet. She created two daily diets for a 30-year-old woman: one prioritizing taste and the other minimizing cost. The tastier option, including beef and blueberries, cost $8.59 per day, while the budget-friendly version with canned tuna and frozen veggies came in at $5.08. However, both fell short on calories and some essential nutrients. Finaret concludes, “I wouldn’t recommend my patients strictly follow these guidelines, especially due to the emphasis on animal proteins and the potential cost burden.”
The bottom line: MAHA’s pyramid has merits, particularly its focus on whole foods. However, its affordability and nutritional adequacy are nuanced. Some aspects are budget-friendly and healthy, while others may be out of reach for many.
What do you think? Is the new food pyramid a step in the right direction, or does it need revisions? Let us know in the comments below!
