Food Breakdown: Cost/Nutrition

I had this idea. So here it is. 

First the raw data. I picked a few foods in each category. I color-coded the categories so once they were sorted, it would be easier to spot patterns. The data was pulled from PeaPod, and should of course be considered approximations.

Consideration #1: Price Per Ounce

This is purely a "how much does it cost for what you get" evaluation.

Interestingly, drinks are the cheapest things in the store. Dairy follows (with the cheese exception). Meat and snacks are the most expensive. 

Consideration #2: Calories Per Ounce

This ignores cost and instead measures how calorically dense a food is. 

About what you'd expect. A huge range here, from the calorically-rich mayo and snacks all the way down to produce and drinks. Surprising that Coke comes in under onions. Also, ice cream? Fluid ounces might explain that one. 

Consideration #3: Price Per 100 Calories

This combines the previous two evaluations. You can look at this two ways. What's the cheapest way to fill up (the bottom of the chart) or if you are going to spend $20 on groceries, what will net you the least calories (the top of the chart). 

I'm a bit surprised at the range. I figured they would be big ranges in the first two considerations, but I thought it might balance out. Nope. If you're tight for money, hot dogs, white bread and snacks will fill up for less. Options like produce and chicken breasts will get you less calories per your grocery budget.