To understand why the side dish in the healthier lunch costs much more, we will analyze the options provided for the higher cost:
1. It contains a larger portion than the current lunch.
- This option suggests that the quantity of the side dish is greater in the healthier lunch. While larger portions can increase costs, there is no direct evidence or information indicating that the portion size is the primary factor. Larger portions would likely affect other elements in the meal equally or proportionally.
2. It uses a substitute item that is more expensive.
- A substitute item could refer to a healthier or premium ingredient replacing the less expensive one in the current lunch. Healthier or organic substitutes are generally more expensive because they involve higher production costs and value. This explanation aligns well with the cost increase specified in the side dish section of the healthier lunch.
3. It tastes better than the side dish in the current lunch.
- Taste is subjective, and its improvement does not directly correlate to cost unless the better taste is due to the use of more expensive ingredients. While it's possible that a better-tasting dish could be costlier, "tastes better" alone wouldn't justify the price difference without further context.
4. It reduces childhood obesity in a more effective way.
- While reducing obesity is an important goal, it does not directly account for the higher cost. Effectiveness in reducing obesity relates more to the nutritional quality and not necessarily the economic cost.
Given the options, the most logical reason is that "it uses a substitute item that is more expensive." This aligns with common trends where healthier ingredients, which are often considered substitutes for less healthy ones, tend to be pricier due to a variety of factors including sourcing, production, and nutritional value.
Thus, the higher cost for the side dish in the healthier lunch is most likely because it uses a substitute item that is more expensive.
