A study conducted by the USDA shows that low-calorie foods cost more on average than high-calorie foods. Nutrition officials fear that the trend will prevent low-income families from adopting healthy diets, and increase obesity in America overall.

USDA's 2-year study of 372 basic foods sold in the Seattle, WA market area showed that prices of high-calorie foods were less likely to increase because of inflation. Prices of high-calorie foods actually decreased by 1.8 percent during the study, while the price of low-calorie foods increased by a truly obese 19.5 percent.

Expressed in actual dollars, the difference is even more pronounced. According to the USDA’s study, a 2000-calorie diet of high-calorie foods cost about $3.25 a day, compared to $36.32 for a daily diet of low-calorie foods.

High-calorie foods – rich in calories, but low in nutrients -- included items like peanut butter and granola, while the lowest-calorie foods – high in nutrients, but low in calories -- were mostly fresh fruits and vegetables.

"If you have $3 to feed yourself, your choices gravitate toward foods which give you the most calories per dollar,'' said researcher Adam Drewnowski in a press release. "Not only are the empty calories cheaper, but the healthy foods are becoming more and more expensive. Fresh vegetables and fruits are rapidly becoming luxury goods."

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