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Healthy Foods Are Costing More: Insights from 17 Years of CBS Price Data

Healthy Foods Are Costing More: Insights from 17 Years of CBS Price Data

Sweets and snacks, on the other hand, have actually become cheaper.

In recent years, there's been growing emphasis on healthier eating habits. Yet, data shows that nutritious products have grown relatively more expensive compared to wages.

Price Comparison
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) analyzed 60 products, comparing prices from July 2000 to July 2017. Over this period, average agreed wages rose by 37%. Products increasing less than 37% became relatively cheaper; those rising more became pricier.

Potato prices have more than doubled. We've also seen about 50% increases for semi-skimmed milk, crustaceans and shellfish, fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit since 2000.

Smallest Price Rises
Ice cream and sugar saw the least increases—sugar even got cheaper. Sauces, dressings, crisps, and confectionery barely budged. With wage growth, these now burden household budgets less. Chocolate and soft drinks are also relatively more affordable.

Compared to 2016
In July 2017, grocery prices averaged 3.3% higher than in July 2016.