Healthy diet out of reach for one in three people globally, UN report reveals

One in three people worldwide, approximately 2.69 billion individuals, cannot afford a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, according to a joint report by five United Nations agencies.

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 calculates the global average cost of a healthy diet at 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day.

This figure significantly exceeds the international extreme poverty line of $3 PPP per person, placing diverse, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean meats out of economic reach for billions.

Public health experts note that historic agricultural subsidies have heavily favoured starchy staples over nutrient-dense options, driving a global surge in adult obesity rates from 12.1 per cent in 2012 to 16.2 per cent in 2024.

While global hunger declined for a third consecutive year in 2025, affecting 7.8 per cent of the world’s population compared to 8.1 per cent in 2024, regional disparities remain severe.

Africa has become home to the highest absolute number of hungry people for the first time, with roughly 309 million affected. Across the continent, 66.6 per cent of the population was unable to afford a healthy diet in 2025, more than double the rates observed in Asia or Latin America.

UN officials warn that ongoing disruptions to maritime trade, alongside potential climate shocks, threaten to reverse recent progress and jeopardise international targets to eliminate global hunger by 2030.