Healthy food is pricier than junk food in Holland

Supermarket food prices seem to be encouraging unhealthy eating. While the price of sugar has increased by 18% since the turn of the century, the price of vegetables is up by 50% and fruit by 41%. Rather than intervening to promote healthy food, the Dutch government is set to increase VAT on fruit and vegetables – from 6% to 9&, meaning even more expensive fruit and vegetables.

Supermarket shelves are piled high with cheap junk food. But while a donut costs 55 cents and a Mars costs 36 cents, an apple costs 59 cents and an avocado more than one euro. The price difference between junk food and healthy food has been growing steadily for years.