Ground truthing the cost of achieving the EAT lancet recommended diets: Evidence from rural India

In this paper, we quantify the divergence in the cost of current diets as compared to EAT Lancet recommendations at the subnational-level in India. We use primary data on food prices and household food purchases, and secondary data on food expenditures for a period of 12 months in 2018–19. The cost of the EAT Lancet dietary recommendations for rural India ranges between $3.00- $5.00 per person per day. In contrast, actual dietary intake at present is valued at around $1.00 per person per day. In order to get to the EAT Lancet recommendations individuals will have to spend nearly $1.00 per person per day more on each of meat fish poultry, dairy foods and fruits. The deficit in current diets relative to recommendations is marked by seasonal variations driven by volatility in the underlying food prices. This paper extends the evidence base for the affordability of the EAT Lancet diet to a subnational-level in India, using the most recent data on prices and expenditures, over time. We highlight the need for tracking rural markets at the subnational level, over time for their nutritional quality and ability to provide affordable, nutritious diets to the poor. Crop diversification, investments in rural infrastructure and well-functioning markets can move rural India towards more nutrition sensitive food environments. •There is a significant gap between current food consumption and the EAT Lancet diets for India.•The cost of the EAT Lancet diets is $3.00- $5.00 per person per day in rural India.•Currently, individuals are consuming the equivalent of $1.00 per person per day.•Additional spending of $1 each is needed in nutrient- dense foods such as meat/fish/poultry, dairy & fruits.•Seasonal fluctuations in price and costs are high for Fruits, Green Leafy Vegetables & other vegetables.•This paper uses primary and secondary data on monthly food consumption and prices at the subnational level for 2018–19.