This is precisely the issue. Calories are important but it's micronutrient adequacy, variety, and balance that matters as much, and arguably more so, in terms

This is precisely the issue. Calories are important but it's micronutrient adequacy, variety, and balance that matters as much, and arguably more so, in terms of what is healthy. We shouldn't be measuring cost based on calories alone, and we should account for the costs to health from empty calories. From my experience, the significant cost in healthy foods is the time to prep and cook them. I keep it simple by steaming frozen veggies and can eat that repeatedly, but most people prefer a lot more variety in their diet at least in respect to healthy foods.