Cost of a Healthy Diet (LCU) by Country (2017-2024)

This dataset provides estimates for the cost of a healthy diet (FAO Item Code 7004) across a global set of 175 countries. A 'healthy diet' is defined as one that provides adequate calories and essential nutrients from a diverse range of food groups. The values are expressed in Local Currency Units (LCU), reflecting the actual nominal cost faced by consumers in their respective domestic markets. This indicator is a cornerstone for analyzing food affordability and monitoring progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

Data Quality

The dataset contains a focused 8-year time series. Numerical values are largely complete for most countries, though certain nations like Argentina show significant gaps (missing data for 2018-2024). The scale of values varies significantly between columns, correctly reflecting the differences in exchange rates and purchasing power across different local currencies.

Use Cases

Analyzing domestic food price inflation, assessing the economic accessibility of nutritious food, designing social protection programs and food subsidies, and conducting comparative studies on the cost of living across developing and developed nations.

Limitations

Data is presented in local currency units, which complicates direct cross-country comparison without applying exchange rate or PPP conversions. Some countries have missing data points in recent years due to reporting delays or economic instability.

Methodology

The cost is calculated by identifying the least-cost combination of locally available foods that meet dietary recommendations. It utilizes food price data from national consumer price indices (CPI) and applies optimization modeling to determine the daily cost per person.