The Impact of Food Prices on Consumption: A Systematic Review of Research on the Price Elasticity of Demand for Food
In light of proposals to improve diets by shifting food prices, it is important to understand how price changes affect demand for various foods. We reviewed 160 studies on the price elasticity of demand for major food categories to assess mean elasticities by food category and variations in estimate...
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Published in | American journal of public health (1971) Vol. 100; no. 2; pp. 216 - 222 |
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Main Authors | , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Washington, DC
Am Public Health Assoc
01.02.2010
American Public Health Association |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | In light of proposals to improve diets by shifting food prices, it is important to understand how price changes affect demand for various foods. We reviewed 160 studies on the price elasticity of demand for major food categories to assess mean elasticities by food category and variations in estimates by study design. Price elasticities for foods and nonalcoholic beverages ranged from 0.27 to 0.81 (absolute values), with food away from home, soft drinks, juice, and meats being most responsive to price changes (0.7-0.8). As an example, a 10% increase in soft drink prices should reduce consumption by 8% to 10%. Studies estimating price effects on substitutions from unhealthy to healthy food and price responsiveness among at-risk populations are particularly needed. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-3 content type line 23 ObjectType-Review-1 ObjectType-Undefined-4 Peer Reviewed Contributors T. Andreyeva and M. W. Long conducted the literature review and extracted, synthesized, and analyzed data. T. Andreyeva and K. D. Brownell originated the study. T. Andreyeva led the data interpretation and the writing of the article. All of the authors helped to conceptualize ideas and interpret findings and contributed to the writing and revision process. |
ISSN: | 0090-0036 1541-0048 |
DOI: | 10.2105/AJPH.2008.151415 |