The amounts of animal-sourced foods required to achieve a least-cost nutritious diet depend on the food prices prevalent in each country. Using linear programming, we determine least-cost dietary patterns in the United States and the constituent amounts of animal-sourced foods. We considered local foods and prices from 2009–2010, and the average energy and nutrient requirements of adults. Nutrient-adequate food patterns were estimated at US$1.98 per day and included animal and plant products. Limiting nutrients were α-linolenic acid, potassium, choline, and vitamins C, D, E and K. The prices of animal-based foods had to be increased by 2–11.5 times to be excluded from the modelled food pattern, with the least cost of a plant-only diet at US$3.61. Given relative food prices in the United States, we show that animal-based foods are needed to secure adequate nutrition at the lowest cost, underscoring the role of price and market mechanisms in the choice of nutrient-adequate, sustainable diets.

实现最低成本营养饮食所需的动物源性食品的数量取决于每个国家/地区普遍的食品价格。使用线性规划，我们确定了美国成本最低的饮食模式和动物源性食品的构成量。我们考虑了 2009 年至 2010 年的当地食品和价格，以及成年人的平均能量和营养需求。营养充足的食物模式估计为每天 1.98 美元，包括动植物产品。限制性营养素是 α-亚麻酸、钾、胆碱和维生素 C、D、E 和 K。动物性食品的价格必须上涨 2-11.5 倍才能从模拟食品模式中排除，其中最少纯植物饮食的成本为 3.61 美元。鉴于美国的相对食品价格，