A new Pew Research Center survey shows rising food costs are squeezing Americans’ ability to eat healthily, signaling a global tension between affordability and nutrition. Ninety percent of American adults acknowledge higher prices for healthy foods, while about 70% say price increases affect what they can eat. This trend, though rooted in the United States, resonates with Thai households facing similar inflationary pressures and concerns about diet quality.
The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where urban households and low-income families are also grappling with nutritious-eating choices amid price volatility. As prices rise, there is a risk that people substitute healthier options for cheaper, less nutritious foods. This dynamic mirrors broader health challenges observed worldwide, underscoring the need for locally tailored responses in Thailand to protect diet quality and long-term wellbeing.
The Pew survey, conducted with more than 5,100 adults between February and March 2025, shows income disparities: 47% of those on fixed or lower incomes struggle to afford healthy meals, compared with 15% of higher-income respondents. Health researchers note that even higher earners feel the squeeze of rising groceries, reminding policymakers that affordability affects all income levels.
Experts point to a persistent dependence on more expensive animal-based foods in Western diets. Health advocate Dr. David Katz argues that affordable, nutritious options exist in staples like beans, lentils, and grains. He emphasizes that improving diet quality involves choosing plant-based foods and drinking water over sugar-sweetened beverages, while noting that the main barrier remains literacy about food labeling rather than price alone.
Diet-related diseases remain a leading cause of death in the United States, with obesity, heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes contributing to a heavy toll. Economically, unhealthy diets and food insecurity cost the country an estimated $1.1 trillion annually in healthcare and lost productivity. Yet, many Americans still rate their diets as somewhat healthy, prompting questions about how people assess dietary quality and the reliability of self-reporting.
Eating patterns also shape perceived diet health. Home-cooked meals are linked to higher self-rated diet quality, while frequent dining out correlates with lower perceived healthfulness. Consumers often prioritize taste, with 83% citing it as the top factor in food choices, even as this trend supports the rise of ultra-processed foods. A 2019 FAO study indicates that about seven in ten foods in the American supply are ultra-processed, a pattern tied to higher risks of obesity and chronic disease.
Nutrition experts advocate for plant-forward patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, which can improve health across ages. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health professor Dr. Frank Hu notes that it is never too late to adopt healthier eating habits and that reducing red and processed meats, added sugars, and sodium can yield broader benefits. People can adapt healthy patterns to their preferences while maintaining core principles focused on plant-based foods.
Thailand can draw lessons from the U.S. experience as it navigates its own price pressures on food. Domestic inflation has challenged families nationwide, and Thai diets—traditionally rich in vegetables, rice, fish, and home-cooked meals—are increasingly competing with processed snacks and sugary drinks, especially among urban youth. The shift aligns with global trends and underscores the need for robust public health strategies that promote food literacy and access to affordable, healthy options. National health authorities emphasize improving nutrition education, supporting local produce markets, and maintaining clear labeling to help consumers make informed choices.
In rural areas, many households still cook from scratch with fresh ingredients, which helps shield communities from some price shocks and aggressive marketing of processed foods. Yet urbanization and busy lifestyles threaten these practices. Thai nutritionists stress the importance of school-based food education, clearer nutrition labeling, and policies that make fruits, vegetables, and whole grains more affordable for families.
Looking ahead, coordinated action is essential to keep healthy options accessible. Governments, producers, and communities should collaborate to boost nutritious choices and curb the appeal of ultra-processed foods. In Thailand, this could involve reinforcing home cooking, supporting local farmers, and promoting markets that provide fresh produce at fair prices. Clear labeling, such as Thailand’s Healthier Choice symbols, and targeted subsidies for fruits and vegetables could help bridge affordability gaps while preserving cultural dietary traditions.
Thai readers can take practical steps to protect nutrition amid price pressures: prioritize home-cooked meals, emphasize vegetables and whole grains, read labels carefully, and limit processed snacks and sugary drinks. By leaning on traditional Thai dietary wisdom and supporting local markets, families can maintain healthy eating even as global food prices fluctuate.
For further context, explore broader reporting on this topic from reputable outlets, while considering data from Pew Research Center, FAO, and national health agencies. Data and insights from leading health institutions help illuminate practical pathways for healthier, more affordable eating in Thailand.