New Disc of Five emphasizes on plant-based

The Dutch Nutrition Centre presents an updated Disc of Five. The familiar model has been revised based on recent scientific insights. The core remains recognizable, but clear shifts are visible in the recommendations.

Greater emphasis on plant-based choices

The Disc of Five retains its familiar five segments. The foundation remains unchanged: plenty of vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grains, with limited amounts of salt, saturated fat, and sugar.

The main changes concern the quantities. For adults aged 18 to 50, the recommended intake of legumes increases to 250 grams per week. At the same time, the maximum amount of meat decreases from 500 to 300 grams per week, with no more than 100 grams of red meat. The guideline for cheese is also reduced from 40 to 20 grams per day. In addition, the Nutrition Centre advises alternating between dairy and fortified dairy alternatives.

Health, environment, and safety assessed

The updated guidelines were developed in collaboration with the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Dietary patterns were assessed for their impact on health, environmental footprint, and food safety. “Health, sustainability, and food safety are inseparably linked. With the updated Disc of Five, we make that clear,” says Petra Verhoef, director at the Nutrition Centre.

The calculations included factors such as nutrient intake, energy requirements, and disease risks. They also considered greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and exposure to substances such as PFAS and heavy metals.

Practice still lags behind recommendations

The Nutrition Centre notes that eating habits often differ from the guidelines. Habits, culture, and the food environment all play a role. “Everyone eats differently. What we enjoy, our habits, culture, and the unhealthy environment all have a major influence,” says Liesbeth Velema, behavioral expert.

The organization continues to focus on small, achievable steps, such as “Eetwissels” (food swaps). At the same time, the Nutrition Centre emphasizes that governments, producers, and food providers also influence food choices and play a role in making healthier and more sustainable options accessible.

Voedingscentrum.nl