Dietary Guidelines Leave Plant-Based Foods Underrepresented, Global Survey of Health Professionals Finds

A survey of health and nutrition professionals found that while most consult their national dietary guidelines in practice, less than half find them useful for promoting healthier and more sustainable diets. Many practitioners identified the under-representation of plant-based foods such as pulses, plant-based milk alternatives, nuts, and seeds in these guidelines as a major limitation. They also highlighted the need for transparency in how guidelines are developed and clearer guidance on eating healthily on a limited budget.

Respondents emphasized the importance of involving retailers, restaurants, caterers, and policymakers in promoting dietary change beyond the individual consumer. Many professionals supported measures like tax relief or subsidies to make healthy and sustainable food more affordable. The study's lead researcher stressed the need for dietary guidelines to better reflect plant-based foods, affordability, cultural diversity, and the realities of people's everyday lives in order to drive meaningful change towards healthier and more sustainable diets.