title: [Food prices in Brazil: prefer cooking to ultra-processed foods].
abstract: This study aims to describe the prices of food groups consumed in Brazil considering the nature, extent, and purpose of their processing. Data were obtained from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey for 2008-2009. The mean prices of the groups (natural, cooking ingredients, processed, and ultra-processed) and their respective food subgroups were estimated for Brazil according to income, region, and area. Natural products and cooking ingredients showed lower prices per calorie when compared to the other groups, suggesting an economic advantage to preparing meals at home when compared to replacing them with ultra-processed foods. Families with the highest income paid the highest prices for their food, while families in the Northeast and North regions and rural areas paid the lowest. While fresh foods (meat, milk, fruit, and vegetables) tend to cost more than ultra-processed foods, dry grains (like rice and beans) are a more economical alternative for adopting healthy eating practices.
authors: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil.
authors: Rafael Moreira
authors: RM
authors: Claro
authors: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil.
authors: Emanuella Gomes
authors: EG
authors: Maia
authors: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil.
authors: Bruna Vieira de Lima
authors: BV
authors: Costa
authors: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil.
authors: Danielle Pereira
authors: DP
authors: Diniz
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D003296:Cooking / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004032:Diet / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002149:Energy Intake; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics*; D005511:Food Handling / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income