What Am I Denying Myself? I spend about $12 a day on food [View all]

Saw lots of discussion about the USDA Sec saying we could eat on $15.64 per day. Most of the responses found that number absurdly low so I did some math and looked at my credit card bill. I average right around $12 a day so now I feel like I should be spending more or seeking out more expensive food. Open to suggestions.

I think food prices in my area are pretty typical (?):

ground beef $6 pound
eggs $3 dz
bread $2.50 loaf
chips $2 bag 12oz
spinach, prewash $2.60
pasta $1.40 pound
cheese, preshred, cheddar $4 pound

I broke out costs for a day's worth of meals:

two eggs, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, hot sauce $1.50
flour tortilla, large $0.30
tea $0.20
Breakfast $2.00

1/3 pound beef burger $2.00
two slices of bread or roll $0.30
chips 0.50
lettuce, tomato, cheese $1.00
Lunch $3.80

8 oz pork chops $1.25
caramelized onions $0.30
mashed potatoes $1.00
salad $1.10
carrots or brocolli or both $0.60
Dinner $4.25

Snack such as ice cream, cookies, dry roast honey peanuts, chocolate, or beer $1.50

Total: $11.55 + tax

What am I missing?