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Healthy eating habits developed during childhood and adolescence play a major role in lifelong health. A new global analysis examining youth dietary patterns across 185 countries has revealed that young people worldwide are not consuming enough healthful plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.
The study, based on data from the Global Dietary Database (GDD), provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of plant-based food consumption among children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years. Researchers analysed dietary information collected from 1,248 surveys covering approximately 99% of the global population.
The findings highlight major differences in dietary habits between countries, regions and social groups. While some improvements have occurred since 1990, the overall intake of nutritious plant foods remains below levels needed to support optimal growth, development and long-term health.
Plant-based foods provide essential nutrients needed during critical stages of growth. Fruits and vegetables supply vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, while beans, legumes, nuts and seeds provide protein, healthy fats and important micronutrients.
A diet rich in these foods can support:
Beyond human health, increasing the consumption of plant-based foods may also benefit the environment by reducing pressure on natural resources, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and supporting more sustainable food systems.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including goals focused on ending malnutrition, improving health and encouraging sustainable consumption, all depend partly on improving global dietary quality.
The study found that global consumption of healthful plant-based foods remained low across all youth age groups in 2018.
Among children under one year old, average intake was approximately 1.19 servings per day. This increased with age, reaching about 3.55 servings daily among teenagers aged 15 to 19 years.
However, researchers noted that even older adolescents consumed relatively small amounts compared with recommended dietary patterns that encourage regular intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts.
Non-starchy vegetables were the largest contributor to plant-based food intake globally. Fruits were another important contributor, while consumption of nuts, seeds and legumes remained limited in many regions.
Dietary patterns varied greatly around the world.
East and Southeast Asia recorded some of the highest levels of plant-based food consumption among youth, largely because of higher intake of non-starchy vegetables. Traditional dietary patterns and cultural preferences may contribute to these differences.
In contrast, South Asia had some of the lowest overall consumption levels across age groups. Low fruit and vegetable intake contributed significantly to these results.
High-income countries showed a unique pattern. Young children in these regions often consumed relatively high amounts of plant-based foods, particularly fruit. However, intake declined during childhood and adolescence, suggesting that older children may experience changing food environments and eating habits.
Other regions showed different strengths. Latin America and the Caribbean had relatively high fruit and bean consumption among older youth, while some countries in Africa and other regions showed moderate intake patterns influenced by local food traditions and availability.
The research also examined individual countries and found substantial variation.
Among the 25 most populated countries, some of the lowest plant-based food consumption levels among youth aged 2 to 19 years were reported in:
Higher consumption levels were observed in:
These differences demonstrate that national food systems, cultural traditions, economic conditions and access to nutritious foods strongly influence childhood diets.
The study identified important social factors affecting food choices.
Globally, girls consumed slightly more fruits and non-starchy vegetables than boys. The difference was mainly related to vegetable and fruit intake, while other plant-based food categories showed smaller variations.
Education level within households was strongly associated with dietary quality. Young people from households with higher education levels generally consumed more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
Researchers also found differences between urban and rural populations. Globally, urban youth consumed more fruits and nuts, possibly due to greater access to diverse food markets. However, in some high-income countries, the pattern was reversed, suggesting that local food culture and household practices may influence dietary choices.
Over nearly three decades, global youth consumption of some plant-based foods improved.
Between 1990 and 2018:
Although progress occurred, researchers concluded that improvements were not sufficient to overcome global dietary challenges.
The findings suggest that improving youth nutrition requires targeted strategies rather than a single global solution.
Possible approaches include:
Policies should focus not only on individual choices but also on the wider food environment that shapes what children and families can access.
The global assessment of plant-based food intake among youth shows that children and adolescents worldwide are not consuming enough nutritious plant foods. While improvements have occurred since 1990, significant gaps remain across countries and social groups.
Increasing access to fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds can support healthier childhood development while contributing to broader goals related to disease prevention and sustainable food systems.
Future efforts should focus on evidence-based policies, improved dietary monitoring and strategies that make healthy food choices easier for young people everywhere.
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It summarizes findings from scientific research and does not replace professional medical or nutritional advice. Individual dietary needs vary depending on age, health status, culture and personal circumstances. Consult qualified healthcare or nutrition professionals for personalized guidance.