An Updated Definition of "Healthy" Foods in the United States: How Do They Measure in Nutrient Density, Cost, and Frequency of Consumption?

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized an update to the definition of the term "healthy" as used on food labels, to align with current dietary guidelines. A holistic understanding of food choice is vital for socially- and economically-conscious food programs and policies.

Objectives

This study applied the new "healthy" criteria to a nationally-representative database of foods and beverages and compared qualifying items to those that failed to qualify, in terms of nutrient density, monetary cost, and frequency of consumption.

Methods

Nutrient profile scores based on the Nutrient Rich Foods Index 9.3 model and weighted frequency of consumption data from the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies were linked to data for monetary cost

SUBMITTER: Hooker K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12554928 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature