Austria Promotes Plant Proteins & Asks People to Cut Back on Meat & Dairy in New Dietary Guidelines

Austria has updated its dietary guidelines to recommend eating less meat and dairy, instead opting for a diet that is primarily plant-based. The new guidelines suggest a plate model with 50% fruits and vegetables, 25% whole grains and potatoes, and 25% proteins, mostly plant-based. Pulses, legumes, and their products now have a dedicated category in the recommendations.

The focus on plant proteins is not only beneficial for personal health but also for the environment, as it helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with meat and dairy production. Austria's new guidelines align with the Eat-Lancet Planetary Health Diet and mirror similar shifts in dietary recommendations seen in other countries, such as Germany and Canada, towards more plant-based eating for improved health and sustainability.