New Dietary Guidelines in Germany Advocate for 75% Plant-Based Diet
Germany’s dietary landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the latest guidelines from the German Society for Nutrition (DGE). These updated Dietary Guidelines in Germany & recommendations advocate for a substantial shift towards plant-based eating, advising that at least 75% of the diet should consist of plant-based foods. This aligns with the country’s broader initiative to support a plant-based transition, as reflected in its 2024 budget commitments.
The new guidelines emphasize reducing meat consumption, limiting dairy intake, and increasing the intake of plant-based foods. This dietary shift is not just about personal health but also about environmental sustainability. The DGE’s recommendations echo the EAT-Lancet Commission’s Planetary Health Diet, underscoring the need for a plant-forward eating approach to benefit both human health and the planet.
A crucial aspect of these guidelines is their foundation on a new mathematical optimization model. This model is designed to determine optimal consumption levels for different food groups, promoting a “health-promoting and ecologically sustainable diet.” According to DGE, changing our diets is essential to protect both our health and the environment.
The guidelines suggest that a sustainable diet should comprise more than 75% plant-based foods and less than a quarter of animal-derived products. For instance, the DGE now recommends that Germans consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, focusing on seasonal, colorful, and varied options. Those who do not consume meat are encouraged to increase their intake of plant-based whole foods.
Dairy consumption recommendations have been adjusted as well. The daily recommended amount of milk has been reduced from three portions to two, equating to about 500 grams of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, or yogurt. Meat and seafood intake should also be limited, with the weekly recommended amount for meat now set at a maximum of 300 grams, plus an additional 30 grams for sausages. This reduction is due to the health risks associated with high consumption of red and processed meats, including cardiovascular disease and colon cancer.
The updated guidelines also emphasize the importance of legumes and nuts. For the first time, the DGE has created a separate category for these foods, recommending 125 grams of legumes weekly and 25 grams of nuts daily. The guidelines further advocate for the consumption of whole grains over processed ones and the use of vegetable oils instead of animal fats like butter. Processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt have been excluded from the dietary recommendations due to their links to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Supporting these changes is a 2023 review of 37 health studies conducted by German researchers. This review highlighted that transitioning from processed animal products to whole-food plant-based diets can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality. For example, replacing 50 grams of processed meat with 28-50 grams of nuts daily can lower the risk of death by 21% from any cause and reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease by 25%.
Despite the comprehensive nature of these new guidelines, some experts have raised concerns about certain aspects. Critics pointed out that the guidelines classify beans, legumes, and nuts as a small food group, which doesn’t fully recognize their critical role in a sustainable food system. They also noted the exclusion of plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy, which she believes is a missed opportunity. She emphasized that plant-based alternatives are crucial for individuals transitioning to a more plant-based diet, as they resemble familiar foods and can ease the transition.
The DGE does acknowledge plant-based milk, advising its use if fortified with calcium, vitamin B2, and iodine. However, the guidelines caution that plant-based meat, seafood, and dairy products often differ significantly in nutrient profile from their animal-based counterparts, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies if not appropriately substituted.
Germany’s new dietary guidelines cater to Europe’s largest group of flexitarians, with an estimated 40-55% of the population reducing their meat intake. A 2022 EU-backed survey found that 59% of Germans had already reduced their meat consumption compared to the previous year. Health concerns were the primary driver for this shift, with 47% of respondents citing health reasons for buying plant-based meat and dairy.
As Germany continues to lead in the plant-based market, major retailers and food chains are making plant-based options more accessible and affordable. Retailers like Lidl, Kaufland, Aldi, and the Rewe Group have priced vegan analogs of meat and dairy competitively. Burger King recently announced that its plant-based menu items are now cheaper than meat options.
The German government has also committed significant funding to promote alternative protein consumption and plant-based agriculture. The 2024 Budget includes €38 million for these initiatives, alongside the establishment of a Proteins of the Future center.
In summary, Germany’s new dietary guidelines reflect a substantial shift towards plant-based eating, driven by health and environmental considerations. This transition aligns with global trends and positions Germany as a leader in sustainable dietary practices.
Also see:
Ultra-Processed Foods: What You Need to Know
