\n\nIn fact it isn\u00e2\u0080\u0099t cheaper to eat highly processed food: a typical order for a family of four -- for example, two Big Macs, a cheeseburger, six chicken McNuggets, two medium and two small fries, and two medium and two small sodas -- costs, at the McDonald\u00e2\u0080\u0099s a hundred steps from where I write, about $28. (Judicious ordering of \u00e2\u0080\u009cHappy Meals\u00e2\u0080\u009d can reduce that to about $23 -- and you get a few apple slices in addition to the fries!)
\nIn general, despite extensive government subsidies, hyperprocessed food remains more expensive than food cooked at home. You can serve a roasted chicken with vegetables along with a simple salad and milk for about $14, and feed four or even six people. If that\u00e2\u0080\u0099s too much money, substitute a meal of rice and canned beans with bacon, green peppers and onions; it\u00e2\u0080\u0099s easily enough for four people and costs about $9.
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By the way, note the phrase \"despite extensive government subsidies.\" It's almost as if the government doesn't know what's best for you. Via Is Junk Food Really Cheaper? - NYTimes.com.
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