Austria’s Ministry of Health recently made headlines with the publication of updated dietary guidelines that recommend reducing consumption of meat, fish, and dairy in favor of plant-based proteins. This shift in dietary recommendations comes as a response to both health and climate concerns, with the Competence Centre for Climate and Health, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Security, and the Austrian Society for Nutrition collaborating to develop the new guidelines at the request of the Ministry of Health.
The new guidelines include a revamped “plate model” that illustrates the “optimal composition” of a meal. According to this model, half of the plate should consist of vegetables and fruit, a quarter should be whole grains and potatoes, and a quarter should be proteins. What sets these guidelines apart is the emphasis on plant-based sources of protein, such as beans and pulses, which now have their own separate category on the plate model. The Ministry of Health recommends a minimum of three servings of plant-based proteins per week, with vegetarians advised to consume four servings. For meat-eaters, the guidelines suggest a maximum of three servings of meat and fish per week, while more generous allowances are made for dairy and eggs.
This marks the first time that plant-based proteins have been given such prominence in Austria’s dietary guidelines. The Ministry of Health’s website currently features a vegan FAQ section aimed at providing guidance and reassurance to those following a plant-based diet. Additionally, the official New Austrian Food Pyramids, which will include both omnivore and vegetarian versions, are set to be published later this year.
Austria is not alone in its shift towards plant-based dietary recommendations. Germany recently updated its own dietary guidelines to acknowledge the benefits of consuming more plant-based foods. The German Nutrition Society considered health, the environment, social benefits, and animal welfare in reassessing vegan nutrition. This aligns with the World Health Organization’s call for experts to help design global dietary guidelines that prioritize a balanced ratio of plant-based to animal-based foods.
As more countries and organizations recognize the benefits of plant-based diets for both personal health and the environment, it is clear that a shift towards more plant-based eating is becoming increasingly mainstream. With the publication of these updated guidelines, Austria joins a growing number of nations that are embracing plant-based nutrition as a key component of a healthy and sustainable diet.
