Real Cost of Food

an itemized look at what your groceries actually buy you

dairy

Milk cost $3.75/gallon

priced and measured per 100g

Current price (per gallon) $3.75

as of 2026-06 · U.S. city average · source: BLS

What that price actually buys you

Protein per dollar 33.97 g
Calories per dollar 423
Iron per dollar 0.3 mg
Zinc per dollar 4.23 mg
Vitamin B12 per dollar 4.74 µg
Folate per dollar 50.4 µg

Nutrition per 100g

Calories 42 kcal
Protein 3.37 g
Carbs 4.99 g
Fiber 0 g
Sugars 5.2 g
Iron 0.03 mg
Zinc 0.42 mg
Vitamin B12 0.47 µg
Folate 5 µg

nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170872)

Beyond the price tag

Water use high
Storage life short

Common in dairy-producing states (CA, WI, NY, ID)

source: