Additional Coverage:
- Americans could see their grocery bills rise $175 a week if they follow RFK Jr.’s dietary plan (marketrealist.com)
RFK Jr.’s Dietary Guidelines Could Send Grocery Bills Soaring by $175 Weekly
**Americans already grappling with escalating grocery prices may face an even steeper climb if they adhere to new dietary recommendations recently issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Led by Robert F.
Kennedy Jr., these guidelines, aimed at combating food-related health issues like obesity, are projected to increase weekly grocery expenses by a substantial $175. **
The proposed dietary shift comes at a challenging time for many households, already feeling the pinch of inflation and existing economic policies. For lower and middle-income families, the prospect of purchasing pricier food items to reduce sugar intake and boost protein consumption could further strain already tight budgets.
The HHS, under RFK Jr.’s leadership, advocates for a significant reduction in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and petroleum-based food dyes. Instead, the guidelines encourage a greater emphasis on healthy fats, whole grains, and protein-rich foods. However, a report from The New York Post highlights the significant financial implications of such a change, estimating a potential weekly grocery bill increase of $175.
This estimate is based on shopping at Whole Foods Market on Amazon. For those opting for brick-and-mortar stores, the increase could still be around $164 higher than current spending. The HHS specifically recommends a higher intake of healthy fats found in butter, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados, alongside prioritizing “high-quality, nutrient-dense protein foods” such as eggs, poultry, seafood, and red meat.
The challenge, however, lies in the current market reality: the prices of many of these recommended items have seen considerable increases in recent months. Butter, for instance, has surged by 58%.
An 8-ounce package of ShopRite brand Bowl & Basket salted butter halves now costs $3.49, equating to roughly $7 a pound. Even Whole Foods’ more budget-friendly 365 brand salted butter is priced at $4.29 per pound.
Red meat, another key recommendation from the RFK Jr.-led body, also reflects this upward trend. A pound of beef skirt steak at Whole Foods can command a hefty $19.99, while 365 brand ground beef sells for $7.99 per pound.
The Post report further indicates rising prices for chicken, nuts, and seafood. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a 5.2% price increase for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs between September 2024 and September 2025.
As Americans continue to seek ways to manage rising grocery costs, these new dietary guidelines present a potential financial hurdle for those striving to improve their health through food choices.