New global research finds current food-based dietary guidelines are often inadequate for helping professionals promote healthy and sustainable diets
Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are countries’ official recommendations for healthy eating. They translate nutrition science into advice about what and how people should eat, and help shape national policies and programs across health, nutrition and education. More than 100 countries worldwide have developed national food-based dietary guidelines, together covering around 90% of the global population.
However, FBDGs are failing to fully support health and nutrition professionals in promoting healthy and sustainable diets, according to new research published in the peer-reviewed journal Current Developments in Nutrition.
The global study, led by researchers from ProVeg International and the University of Göttingen, explored the barriers and opportunities health and nutrition professionals face when putting national dietary guidelines into practice.
Guidelines are widely used, but often seen as insufficient
The research found that 80.5% of surveyed professionals use their national FBDGs in practice, yet 57.6% rated them as only “somewhat” or “slightly” helpful for promoting healthy and sustainable food choices.
Professionals highlighted several shortcomings in existing guidelines, including the under-representation of plant-based foods. In particular, pulses (62.7%), plant-based milk alternatives (47.5%) and nuts and seeds (42.4%) are underrepresented in the official recommendations, according to respondents.
99.1% identified transparency in how guidelines are developed as important for their acceptance, while affordability also emerged as a major concern, with professionals calling for more guidance on eating healthily on a budget.
The findings point to a need for FBDGs that are not only scientifically robust, but also practical, inclusive and aligned with the realities of modern food systems.
Health professionals want more plant-based options
The inclusion of more plant-based options emerged as an important facilitator for implementation. Professionals also emphasized that responsibility for healthy eating extends beyond individuals to policymakers and the wider food environment. Almost two in three respondents (65.3%) called for measures such as tax relief or subsidies to make healthy and sustainable food more affordable, while highlighting the important role of retailers, restaurants, caterers and the food industry in making healthier choices easier.
The findings build on previous research showing that healthy plant-based alternatives remain inconsistently represented in dietary guidelines globally, despite their potential role in supporting dietary shifts.
Anna-Lena Klapp, Head of Research at ProVeg International and lead author of the study, said: “Dietary guidelines have enormous potential to shape healthier and more sustainable food systems, but they need to work in the real world. Our findings show that the professionals responsible for putting these recommendations into practice are calling for guidelines that better reflect plant-based foods, affordability, cultural diversity, and the realities of people’s everyday lives.”
“They also need supportive food environments to put these guidelines into action. If we want dietary guidelines to drive meaningful change, we need coordinated action across the food system to make healthy and sustainable choices easier for everyone.”
From policy to practice
The researchers conclude that policymakers and scientific committees should address the barriers identified by health and nutrition professionals and strengthen the implementation of FBDGs.
For ProVeg, the findings reinforce the importance of developing dietary guidelines that support a shift towards more plant-rich diets while giving people clear, practical information about how to make healthy and sustainable food choices.
ENDS
Contact details for press officers:
ProVeg International: Gemma Chapman | Senior International Communications Manager | [email protected]
Editor’s notes:
- Study: Klapp A-L, Simorangkir JP, Gallani V, Braune DAB, Risius A. From Policy to Practice: A Global Analysis to Identify Factors That Influence the Implementation of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines by Health and Nutrition Professionals. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2026.
- About ProVeg International: Our vision is a world where the food we eat is good for all people, animals, and our planet. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable global food system by making plant-rich foods and alternative proteins more accessible and appealing.
