Can Americans afford the new 'RFK Diet' with soaring food prices?

The U.S. government has released updated dietary guidelines, pushing for a return to meat, full-fat foods, and whole ingredients. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the changes in January, urging Americans to cut back on sugar, processed foods, and refined carbs. But with food prices rising, questions remain about whether the diet is affordable for most people.

At first, officials claimed the diet could cost as little as $3 (€2.50) per meal. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack suggested the plan was budget-friendly. Yet, as inflation drove up grocery prices, the estimate was adjusted to $15.64 (€13.18) per day.

To test its realism, one writer followed the so-called 'RFK Diet' for a week. They limited spending to $15 (€13) daily, sticking strictly to the recommended foods. The experiment aimed to see if the guidelines were practical for everyday life.

The revised cost of $15.64 per day puts the diet out of reach for many households. While the guidelines promote whole foods and natural ingredients, their affordability remains a key concern. The week-long test highlighted the gap between official recommendations and real-world budgets.