The Netherlands has reduced its national meat recommendations by 40% according to the updated Wheel of Five national dietary guidelines. The new recommendations include a reduction in meat and cheese consumption and an increased emphasis on legumes. For example, adults aged 18-50 who eat meat and fish are recommended to increase legume consumption to 250 grams per week, while reducing meat consumption to 300 grams per week (with no more than 100 grams being red meat), and cheese consumption to just 20 grams per day.

These changes are part of a policy shift towards a 50% plant-based future in the Netherlands. The Netherlands Nutrition Center emphasizes that health, sustainability, and food safety are interconnected, and that the updated dietary guidelines aim to promote not only personal health, but also environmental well-being. Those who are vegetarian or vegan can also use the Wheel of Five tool to receive customized food and nutrition recommendations based on their dietary preferences.