Practice Time! Let’s practice comparing foods to get the best value. Here are some examples of similar foods at different prices.

Which ones would you choose? 

  • To get the unit price, look for the amount on the price tag. 
  • Use a calculator or a smartphone.
  • This calculation will tell you which food item is a better deal. Here’s how!
  • Total price of food ➗  # of units = Price per unit

Here is an example. Compare the two options below:

Which is the better deal?:

  1. Store Brand Frozen Green Beans: 16-ounce bag costs $2.99

  2. Name Brand Frozen Green Beans: 24-ounce bag costs $4.99

How to calculate

A. Store Brand Frozen Green Beans

$2.99 ➗ 16 ounces  = 19 cents per ounce

B. Name Brand Frozen Green Beans

$4.99 ➗ 24 ounces  = 21 cents per ounce

So. Option A costs 19 cents an ounce. That is 2 cents less per ounce than option B. 

Even though the bag is smaller, option A is a better buy. 

Bigger is not always the better buy.


Now try a few on your own! Which item is the better deal? (Answers are at the bottom of the page)

  1. _________ 

A. 12 oz jar of peanut butter costs $3.74 

B. 16 oz jar of peanut butter costs $5.34 


  1. _________

A. 12 oz can of black beans costs $2.79 

B. 20 oz can of black beans costs $4.29


  1. _________

A. 12 bananas costs $2.74 

B. 9 organic bananas costs $3.34


Recommendation

Two Helpful Resources to get the most nutrition for your money!

Eating Healthy on a Budget

Eat Right When Money’s Tight

Answers
1. A
2. B
3. A