Austria emphasises plant proteins in updated dietary guidelines

Austria has introduced new nutritional guidelines designed to promote both public health and environmental sustainability [1]. The updated recommendations place a stronger emphasis on plant-based proteins while advocating for a reduction in the consumption of meat, fish, and dairy products.

Federal Minister Johannes Rauch highlighted the dual benefits of these guidelines, stating, “Conscious nutrition with a focus on vegetables, fruit, grains, and pulses is not only good for the planet; it also means we live longer and healthier lives.”

A significant addition to the guidelines is the introduction of the “plate model,” which visually represents the optimal composition of a meal. According to this model, half of the plate should consist of vegetables and fruit, one-quarter should be dedicated to whole grains and potatoes, and the remaining quarter should be filled with protein-rich foods, primarily from plant sources. Notably, pulses, now given their own category, are recommended at three to four servings per week.

The guidelines also limit meat intake to 1-2 servings per week, translating to approximately 32.25 grams per day. This represents an 80% reduction in meat consumption compared to the current average diet [2].Additionally, the new guidelines will feature updated food pyramids, set to be published in autumn 2024, including, for the first time, a separate pyramid for vegetarian diets.

The recommendations aim to guide Austrians toward a more balanced diet, encouraging higher consumption of regional and seasonal plant-based foods, which have a lower environmental impact. The guidelines stress the importance of drinking water, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and reducing the consumption of animal products due to their significant carbon footprint.

Earlier this year, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) similarly revised its guidelines to emphasise a predominantly plant-based diet, recommending that at least 75% of daily intake come from plant sources. Other European countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands, have also incorporated sustainability aspects into their dietary guidelines.

1 https://www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Gesundheit/Ern%C3%A4hrung/%C3%96...
2 https://www.statistik.at/fileadmin/announcement/2023/08/20230831Versorgu...