Abstract
We estimated the affordability of food and beverages by energy density and nutrient quality in Mexico and tested for differential trends in affordability over time and by income quintile. We used the National Income and Expenditures Survey from 1994 to 2016, and information on the caloric and nutrient content of food and beverages from Mexican food composition tables. We estimated food energy density (kcal/kg) and nutrient quality of food and beverages using the nutrient-rich food index (NRFI). Affordability of food and beverages was defined as household monthly income needed to purchase 1000 kcal. The affordability index was expressed by quintiles of energy density and quintiles of the NRFI and by income quintile over time. We found that more energy-dense foods and food and beverages with lower nutrient quality were more affordable compared to healthier food and beverages. Food categories with lower energy density and a higher NRFI became less affordable over time for most income groups, but the burden was higher for lower-income households. A comprehensive national strategy should be implemented to make healthier options more affordable and discretional foods and beverages with lower nutrient quality less affordable.
Highlights
Urbanization and economic development have driven major transformations in dietary habits and physical activity worldwide
In Mexico, along with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity affecting over 70% of adults and more than one third of children and adolescents [5,6], consumption patterns have shifted to a higher intake of ultra-processed food and beverages [7]
The objective of this study was to estimate the affordability of food and beverages by energy density and nutrient quality in Mexico from 1994 to 2016
Summary
Urbanization and economic development have driven major transformations in dietary habits and physical activity worldwide. Dietary patterns have shifted to higher consumption of refined carbohydrates, vegetable fats, added sugars, processed food, and meat, along with reductions in fiber intake from legumes, vegetables, and coarse grains [1,2]. These transformations in diets and physical activity have been associated with overweight and obesity, diabetes, and cancer globally [3,4]. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and nonessential energy-dense food accounts for 26% of total energy intake [8] and has been associated with a lower nutritional quality of diets in other countries [9]. In the United States, foods and beverages with higher quality based on nutrient content
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