Even though corn is now selling for less than half of its June price, the Thanksgiving turkey that feeds on that corn costs 8% more per pound. The wheat baked into the dinner rolls is down 60%, but the rolls are up 16%. And the soybeans in all those holiday pie crusts? Down 47% since summer, but cost is 9% more, the CBS study found.
Experts say it’s because grocery pricing is about more than just commodities.
“Raw commodity costs represent about 20% of the total food bill at the grocery store. …

In hard economic times, some Americans are searching for quality nutrition on a budget, but it’s not always easy.
In spite of that, the Calorie Control Council predicts some health trends for 2009:
1. Budgeting calories: Many consumers understand that calories still count. According to a survey, 194 million Americans reported consuming low and reduced calorie products in 2007, an increase from 180 million in 2004.
2. More functional foods: Consumer awareness of the relationship between diet and health has increased the demand for functional foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition …

With a new year often comes a new resolution to eat better and make healthier choices. But as the economy continues to struggle, many parents are left wondering how to provide healthy food options while shopping on a budget. Although nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are often more costly than less healthful options, there are ways families can pull the purse strings tighter without compromising on nutrition.
“Even though many families will be shopping on a budget in the new year, nutrition doesn’t necessarily have to come …

Rice Helps the Heart, and the Wallet
(ARA) – With the rising cost of groceries, families are trying to make their hard-earned dollars go farther. Buying staples — as opposed to manufactured mixes — and using them in several different recipes is one way to reduce costs and yet provide a healthy meal for the entire family.
Of all the products on supermarket shelves, one of the most versatile is rice, a complex carbohydrate that is free of sodium, cholesterol and trans fat. It is also gluten-free, non-allergenic and easy to digest. …

NutriSystem Helps Consumers Who Resolve to Lose Weight, Save Money and Eat Healthy in the New Year
HORSHAM, PA–(Marketwire – December 31, 2008) – Forbes.com finds NutriSystem Inc. to be the lowest priced weight loss program as reported in their 12-23-08, “How Expensive Is Your Diet?” story. The article compared the first week costs of seven popular weight loss programs and stated that, “At $74 for women and $82 for men, NutriSystem was the cheapest option…” Several of the other programs were hundreds of dollars more expensive. For …