20 Aug 2024 --- Researchers project that plant-based diets in the US and New Zealand that meet healthy adults’ energy and nutrient requirements are 34–45% more expensive than diets including animal-based foods. This is due to the need to include fortified plant-based foods for essential nutrients, mainly pantothenic acid, zinc and vitamin B12. Through linear programming, the Massey University, New Zealand research team determined the role of animal- and plant-sourced foods in modeling a “least-cost” or most affordable diet for adults. The study considers the nutritional quality of foods, food prices and diet affordability.
