The DIETCOST programme has been developed, using Python, to model the cost of healthy and current, less healthy population diets using combinations of a list of commonly consumed foods, a set of min and max quantity/serves constraints for each, and specified food group and nutrient intakes based on dietary guidelines (healthy diets) and nutrition survey data (current diets for different population groups). The programme has been applied in New Zealand as a case study for the total population, specific ethnic population groups and changes in cost over time.
The programme is available for other research groups and is supported by a DIETCOST manual. Let us know if you are interested in using the programme or require support. Please contact Stefanie Vandevijvere: s.vandevijvere@auckland.ac.nz.