The new Dutch dietary guidelines for protein sources contain concrete recommendations for a shift towards a more plant-based dietary pattern. Compared to the current Dutch dietary pattern, the guidelines mainly mean less meat and more legumes and nuts.
In the Dutch dietary guidelines, the Health Council periodically provides advice on foods, beverages and dietary patterns. The last version of the guidelines was published in 2015. In 2025, the permanent committee on Nutrition revised the guidelines for dietary patterns and protein sources: legumes, nuts, dairy, fish, meat, eggs, and meat substitutes and dairy substitutes. Guidelines for other product groups, such as grain products and vegetables and fruit, will follow in a later advisory report.
As before, the guidelines are primarily based on the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. In addition, the committee looked at food safety and – more extensively than before – at the environmental impact. The committee concludes that a more plant-based and less animal-based diet is better for health and benefits the environment. This conclusion is in line with the Health Council’s advisory report on the protein transition. With the new guidelines, the committee is giving concrete substance to the shift that was recommended at the time.
The Dutch dietary guidelines have been drawn up for the general population. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre translates the guidelines into information on healthy, sustainable and safe eating patterns, also for specific target groups. The Nutrition Centre expects to publish the further developed Wheel of Five in the spring of 2026.
The advisory report will be translated in English in due course.