Experts Weigh in: Is MAHA’s New Food Pyramid Affordable and Healthy?

During a recent news briefing, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that for just three dollars, Americans could prepare a meal including “pork, eggs, whole milk, cheese, tomatoes, other fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, or corn tortillas.” Additionally, Calley Means, an adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlighted a comparison on X showing that a grocery basket compliant with the new dietary guidelines—containing ground beef and full-fat yogurt—was more economical than one filled with discouraged ultra-processed foods.

However, some nutrition experts have criticized the emphasis on beef and beef tallow in the guidelines. Foods high in saturated fat are not only considered less healthy but are also often pricier than alternatives like chicken and plant-based proteins such as beans and tofu.

Experts from both sides present compelling arguments, as noted by food economists and nutritionists who spoke with STAT. According to Masters, a professor at Tufts University, the MAHA initiative encourages the avoidance of ultra-processed foods in a way that can be budget-friendly. “Selecting the most affordable options within food groups typically leads you to whole foods,” he explained, mentioning that plain dairy, canned beans, and tinned fish are nutrient-dense and cost-effective choices.

Nonetheless, Masters pointed out that the food pyramid also includes expensive items like shrimp and ribeye steak, particularly concerning since beef prices have risen by 16 percent over the past year. Furthermore, the updated guidelines suggest that individuals more than double their protein intake from previous recommendations, which is likely to escalate food expenses, according to Joelle Johnson, deputy director for healthy food access at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

“This recommendation, coupled with the preference for higher-fat dairy, would likely have the most significant effect on a person’s food costs if implemented,” Johnson remarked in an email.

Ultimately, the costs and nutritional effects of the new guidelines depend not only on individual locations and shopping habits but also on personal interpretations of the guidelines. To gain better insights, STAT consulted a food economist and registered dietitian who utilized Masters’ spreadsheet to evaluate the potential costs of various iterations of the MAHA diet—both from a financial and nutritional standpoint. To fully grasp the findings, it’s essential to delve into what nutrition experts consider affordability and why it is crucial for American health.

Today, food prices have surged by 27 percent compared to five years ago, according to David Ortega, a food economist at Michigan State University. Factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, avian influenza, drought conditions, tariffs, the conflict in Ukraine, and screwworm diseases have collectively driven up the costs of beef, eggs, and other essentials.

Although food prices are not increasing at the previous rate, economists predict that grocery bills will not revert to pre-pandemic figures, as the prices consumers face are generally in alignment with production costs.

“They are high because labor, rent, and other expenses have risen,” said Masters.

Affordability varies significantly based on income. In 2023, data shows that the lowest-income households spend about $14 daily on food, while middle-class households allocate around $25, and high-income households invest about $47, according to government statistics. Individuals on food assistance programs receive approximately $6 per person each day for groceries.

Affordability also transcends mere grocery prices, as nutritionists emphasize.

“When evaluating if people can afford food, the most critical factor is the time investment—how long it takes to plan meals, gather ingredients, and prepare them,” explained Jerold Mande, a former policymaker and current head of the nonprofit Nourish Science.

For instance, a one-pound bag of dried chickpeas is nutritious and costs less than $1.50 at Walmart. However, it requires soaking for at least an hour (or overnight) and cooking for a couple of hours before being ready to eat, plus additional preparation for a complete dish.

While many nutritious meals can be prepared quickly and affordably, it’s easy to see why a busy family balancing work, school, and childcare may opt for the convenience of frozen pizza instead.

“The statement that a meal can cost three dollars isn’t inherently erroneous,” noted Ortega. “However, such calculations often assume ideal scenarios, which may not reflect the reality of many households.”

Amelia Finaret, a clinical dietitian and food economist at Allegheny College, highlights another concern related to affordability:

“Sometimes, more affordable items lack the taste we desire, such as fresh versus canned vegetables, making it less appealing to choose vegetables in the budget aisle.”

This illustrates that addressing chronic diseases requires not only affordable but also nutritious dietary options.

Many experts applauded the guidelines for their strong stance against ultra-processed foods, with Masters commending the administration for standing up to large food manufacturers. Additionally, the updated food pyramid notably includes a bag of frozen peas, illustrating the potential for budgeting through frozen vegetables, which are often more affordable than fresh options.

Conversely, Finaret expressed concern that individuals might spend unnecessary funds on excessive protein.

“Most adults who are neither critically ill nor elderly don’t require more than 0.8-1 gram per kilogram of body weight,” she clarified. The new guidelines suggest daily protein intake of 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram, which for a 150-pound individual translates to approximately 109 grams of protein—equivalent to about 18 eggs or four chicken breasts.

However, unlike fats or carbohydrates, “the body does not store protein,” Finaret warned. “It raises questions about where all this additional protein will go and its necessity, as it appears to be wasteful.”

Finaret was enthusiastic about experimenting with the new MAHA guidelines using a spreadsheet developed by Masters, which calculates the daily cost of a diet aimed at fulfilling nutritional requirements for protein, fat, fiber, and calcium. This tool is based on online grocery prices from Stop & Shop in Boston, often used in his classroom to help students grasp the costs associated with adequate nutrition.

In creating two diet prototypes for a 30-year-old woman, Finaret explained, “I aimed to meet the new protein standards while incorporating two servings of fruit, three servings of vegetables, and three servings of whole grains, adhering to the new pyramid’s guidance.”

For her first diet iteration, she prioritized taste over cost, selecting foods she would enjoy. This included servings of beef and blueberries, resulting in a target of around 90 grams of protein based on the new guidelines and chicken breasts instead of the more economical thighs. The total daily cost was $8.59. In contrast, her second version sought to minimize expenses while still meeting the guidelines—opting for canned tuna and chicken thighs, along with apples, bananas, frozen peas, cabbage, and canned green beans. This total cost was $5.08.

From a nutritional standpoint, Finaret identified a significant issue: she did not consume enough calories to maintain her body weight, requiring around 2,300 calories daily. “Two to four servings of grains are insufficient,” she noted. “Many individuals are unaware of how small a serving of grains actually is,” equivalent to one slice of bread or six Triscuits.

While the higher-cost diet effectively met more micronutrient needs, it still fell short in vitamin E and calcium.

Overall, Finaret hesitated to fully endorse the new guidelines, especially due to their focus on animal proteins and the heavy reliance on produce rather than whole grains for fiber. She expressed concern regarding the affordability aspect: “If someone spends $8.58 daily, for a family of five, that totals $300 weekly—which is exorbitant for those on a tight budget.”

The silver lining is that many people can achieve healthier diets on lower budgets, particularly by incorporating plant-based proteins like beans, while reducing expenditures on unnecessary supplements and alcohol. Notably, the updated guidelines feature more lenient language surrounding alcohol consumption.

In summary, some elements of MAHA’s revised guidelines are both affordable and nutritious, whereas others may not be. “This reflects a characteristic of the movement,” Masters stated, “where it sometimes rebels against consensus. This can lead to valuable breakthroughs, but at times, it results in inaccuracies.”

STAT’s coverage of chronic health issues is made possible through a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Our financial supporters play no role in influencing our journalism.