Healthy diet too expensive for one in three people globally, UN report finds

Global hunger declined for the third year in a row in 2025 but experts call for action to bring down costs of fruit, vegetables and dairy as report shows 2.69bn people can’t afford to eat well

One in three people cannot afford to eat a healthy diet, a new report has found, prompting calls for urgent action on food affordability.

There are 2.69 billion people unable to afford a diverse diet that meets their energy and nutrient needs, and it will take “immense” amounts of work to achieve the global target of zero hunger by 2030, the annual report from five UN agencies warned.

Uchemedia August 3, 2026 2 minutes read

Healthy diet too expensive for one in three people globally, UN report finds

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A comprehensive report from five United Nations agencies has revealed that approximately 2.69 billion people—roughly one in three globally—lack the financial means to maintain a nutritionally adequate diet. The findings underscore the significant gap between affordability and access to foods necessary for good health, with experts warning that achieving zero hunger by 2030 will require substantial intervention and policy reform.

While global hunger rates declined for the third consecutive year in 2025, dropping to 7.8 percent from 8.1 percent the previous year, the cost barrier to nutritious eating remains acute. Research indicates that a healthy diet requires approximately $4.28 in purchasing power daily—exceeding the extreme poverty line by over $1. Officials stress that current government subsidies prioritize inexpensive grains over nutrient-rich options like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, contributing to rising obesity rates and diet-related diseases.

Regional disparities are stark, with Africa experiencing the most severe challenges. Over two-thirds of the African population cannot afford healthy diets, a rate more than double that of Asia or Latin America. The continent now accounts for the highest number of hungry people worldwide at approximately 309 million, though recent data suggests this upward trend may be stabilizing.

Experts advocate for improved supply chain efficiency, increased investment in agricultural infrastructure and research, and policy shifts encouraging consumption of diverse, nutrient-dense foods to address this crisis effectively.

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Originally reported by Theguardian →