Germany's new dietary guidelines push plant-based diets for health and climate

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) has updated its dietary guidelines to focus more on plant-based foods. Released in a 2026 brochure, the new recommendations urge people to eat fewer animal products for better health and a reduced environmental impact. The guidelines now suggest that three-quarters of a person's diet should come from plants.

For the first time, the DGE has included the environmental footprint of food in its assessments. Research shows that meat and dairy production uses far more resources and emits more greenhouse gases than plant-based alternatives. This shift aligns with the 'planetary health' concept, which ties human well-being to the health of the planet.

The society's internal model recommends eating no more than 120 grams of meat per week—far below current averages. Overall, animal products should make up no more than 25 percent of the diet, with dairy and eggs also reduced. Instead, the guidelines prioritise legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

The DGE plans to update these recommendations regularly as new research emerges. If adopted widely, the changes could influence institutional catering in schools, hospitals, and workplaces. Similar strategies have already appeared in France and Austria, where officials are pushing for large cuts in meat and dairy consumption.

The updated guidelines aim to improve public health while lowering environmental harm. By shifting diets toward plants, the DGE expects to reduce emissions and resource use. Many EU countries still subsidise meat, but calls for full taxation could further cut its environmental impact by up to 5.7 percent.