Right. Few understood that just because it's edible didn't mean it was nutritious or even actually food. And, as is the way of economic inequity, the stuff was marketed to the working poor. A box of Hamburger Helper and a pound of the fattiest ground beef was way cheaper than 93% lean and the separate ingredients. Powdered cheese-ish product was way cheaper than real cheese. Canned vegetables were cheaper than fresh, unless you grew them yourself.

Healthy foods should not be more expensive than the same foods ultra-processed until most of nutritional value is gone.