Nutrient density and affordability of foods in Brazil by food group and degree of processing.

OBJECTIVE Affordable nutrition refers to the relation between nutrient density of foods and their monetary cost. There are limited data on affordable nutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The present study aimed to develop a nutrient density score and nutrient affordability metrics for 377 most consumed foods in Brazil. DESIGN The foods were aggregated into 7 major food groups and 4 NOVA food categories. Nutrient composition data were obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Food prices were obtained from retailer websites and were converted to prices per 100g and 100kcal. The Nutrient Rich Food (NRF8.2) score was based on protein, fiber, vitamins A, C and E, calcium, iron and potassium. Nutrients to limit were sugar and sodium. Affordability was measured as kcal/R$ and nutrients/R$. RESULTS Grains, fats and sweets were more energy-dense and had lower NRF8.2 scores than dairy, vegetables, and fruits. Grains, fats, and sweets were the lowest-cost sources of calories. Vegetables and fruits, beans, nuts and seeds, and eggs and dairy were the lowest-cost sources of multiple nutrients. Ultra-processed foods (48% of total) had higher energy density and lower NRF8.2 scores than did unprocessed foods. In Brazil, fruits, vegetables and dairy products offered the most nutrients per real. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of the relation between nutrient density of foods and their cost can help identify locally available foods that are nutrient rich, affordable and culturally acceptable. Achieving high nutrient density at an affordable cost should be the goal of Brazil food systems.