An Updated Definition of “Healthy” Foods in the United States: How Do They Measure in Nutrient Density, Cost, and Frequency of Consumption?

Foods and beverages that would qualify as "healthy" under new FDA criteria were more nutrient dense. Overall, qualifying items may be less expensive and consumed more frequently than not qualifying items, although results differed for individual food groups. To increase the availability of foods and beverages qualifying as "healthy," industry reformulation of packaged and processed nutrient-dense foods should be considered to reduce the addition of sodium, sugar, and saturated fat.