Food Costs Uncovered: A new open database reveals the true price of what we eat

In January 2026, the Horizon Europe project PLAN’EAT reaches a major milestone with the launch of the True Costs of Food Database, developed by TMG Think Tank for Sustainability in collaboration with True Price. This first-of-its-kind open-access resource applies True Cost Accounting (TCA) to more than 2,000 food products consumed in the EU and sourced from 81 countries.

The database makes previously hidden environmental and health impacts—such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, toxicity and air pollution—both visible and comparable by translating them into monetary values. The result is a powerful evidence base to support better decisions across the food system.

For policymakers, the tool can inform dietary guidelines, fiscal measures and food strategies. Businesses and retailers can use it to assess the hidden costs of their products and strengthen sustainability reporting. Researchers gain a new resource to analyse dietary patterns and identify high-impact shifts toward healthier and more sustainable diets.

This release marks a key step forward for PLAN’EAT’s mission to support food system transformation through stronger data, modelling and co-designed interventions across Europe.

Join the launch event:
📅 8 January 2026 | ⏰ 15:00–16:30 CET

Want to find out more about it, contact our press contact!

Nathanael PICAS – npicas@hopscotch.one