An American government official has ignited a firestorm of criticism after claiming that a nutritious meal under new national dietary guidelines could cost as little as $3 per serving, a statement many have labelled as deeply out of touch with the reality of supermarket prices.
Guidelines Met With Cost Concerns
On January 7, US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a major overhaul of the country's dietary advice, promising a 'back to basics' approach. The new framework emphasises increased consumption of protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains, while reducing the recommended portion of grains overall.
Immediate questions were raised about the potential financial burden on low-income families, given the typically higher cost of fresh produce and lean protein. When challenged on this point in an interview with News Nation, Secretary Rollins was unequivocal, asserting the new diet would not cost consumers more.
'While we're asking Americans to reconsider what they're eating, are we actually asking Americans - especially those who are living on the margins - to spend more on their diet? And the answer to that is no,' Rollins stated.
The $3 Meal Assertion and Public Backlash
Rollins went further, citing over 1,000 simulations of grocery costs run by the government. She gave a specific example, claiming, 'It can cost around $3 a meal for a piece of chicken, a corn tortilla and one other thing,' and insisted the guidelines could save the average shopper money.
This confident pronouncement was met with swift and widespread derision on social media, particularly from working-class Americans who described the comments as 'tone-deaf'. Critics highlighted the stark contrast between the claim and actual checkout receipts.
'Around $3 for chicken?!? I guess she doesn't do her own grocery shopping…I just paid $10 for one pack of chicken cutlets,' one person wrote on X. Another added sarcastically, 'Ah yes, the magical $3 meal, where broccoli grows on trees and chicken cooks itself.'
Many pointed out the hidden costs of cooking, including energy, water, and seasonings, arguing that the true price of a home-cooked meal is far higher than the sum of its raw ingredients.
The Reality of Rising Food Prices
The public's scepticism is backed by official data. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for a pound of chicken in American cities is now $4. Bread averages nearly $2 per pound, while dairy products range from $4 to $6.
Furthermore, reports indicate grocery prices remained high at the end of 2025, with a sharp jump recorded in December. The USDA's own 'Thrifty Food Plan' estimates the monthly cost of meals for an adult at up to $300, which averages to almost $4 per meal.
The new guidelines specify that adults should consume between 0.05 and 0.07 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily, recommend three servings of dairy, and advise two fruits and three vegetables each day.
In her defence, Rollins has framed the guidelines as a boon for both public health and American agriculture. 'At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food,' she said in an official statement, crediting the 'bold leadership of President Trump'.
