One in three people worldwide cannot afford to eat a healthy diet, according to a new report from five United Nations agencies. The "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026" report reveals that 2.69 billion individuals lack access to a diverse diet that meets their energy and nutrient requirements, highlighting significant challenges in achieving the global target of zero hunger by 2030.

Despite the concerning figures on healthy diet affordability, the report notes a positive trend in overall global hunger reduction. For the third consecutive year in 2025, global hunger declined, affecting 7.8% of the population, down from 8.1% in 2024. Signs also suggest a halt to a prolonged upward trend in hunger rates across Africa.

However, the proportion of people unable to afford a healthy diet remains "extremely high," stated Maximo Torero, chief economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization and one of the report's authors. The report defines the cost of a healthy diet at 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day, a figure significantly above the extreme poverty line of $3 PPP per person.

Torero explained that government policies have historically prioritized subsidizing staple foods like cereals, rather than more diverse and nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. This focus on calorie intake over dietary diversity has implications for rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases, including cancer and diabetes.

The report indicates that in Africa, 66.6% of the population was unable to afford a healthy diet in 2025. This figure is more than double the rates observed in Asia or Latin America and the Caribbean. Africa is now home to the highest number of hungry people, with approximately 309 million individuals.

The disparity in affordability underscores the need for policy shifts that address the cost of nutritious foods. Experts suggest that interventions must go beyond ensuring basic caloric intake and focus on making healthy food options accessible and affordable to all.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030 will require "immense" effort, the report warns. The findings suggest that current strategies may not be sufficient to tackle the complex issue of malnutrition, which encompasses both hunger and unhealthy diets driven by affordability.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the specific policy changes required to lower the cost of healthy diets globally and ensure equitable access. The report implies a critical need for international cooperation and targeted national policies to address this growing public health concern.