The Wheel of Five: Netherlands’ Dietary Guidelines to Prioritize Plant-Based Eating and Sustainability

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Wheel of Five, a cornerstone of dietary guidance in the Netherlands, is set for a significant update in April 2026. The revised guidelines will place a stronger emphasis on plant-based nutrition, reduced red meat consumption, and overall sustainability, reflecting the latest scientific research and recommendations from the Health Council.

Shifting Towards Plant-Based Proteins

A key change in the updated Wheel of Five is a shift towards prioritizing plant-based protein sources. The Health Council advises limiting red and processed meat intake to no more than 200 grams per week , a substantial reduction from the average Dutch consumption of 623 grams per week between 2019 and 2021 . Instead, the guidelines will strongly recommend increased consumption of legumes, nuts, and other vegetable proteins.

Legumes and Nuts: A Weekly and Daily Focus

The novel guidelines specifically recommend consuming 250 grams of legumes (such as brown beans, soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas) each week . Daily consumption of 15 to 30 grams of unsalted nuts and peanuts is also encouraged .

Adjustments to Dairy and Salt Intake

Beyond protein sources, the Wheel of Five will also feature adjusted standards for dairy and salt. The dairy guideline is being tightened to three to four portions (150 ml) per day. Products included in the Wheel of Five will be subject to stricter criteria, such as a maximum of 0.69 grams of salt per 100 grams for breakfast cereals and a prohibition of added sugar.

Sustainability Integrated into Dietary Advice

Recognizing the environmental impact of food choices, the updated Wheel of Five will more strongly integrate sustainability into its guidelines . This reflects a growing understanding of the link between dietary patterns, chronic disease risk, and environmental damage.

The Wheel of Five: A Tool for Healthy Eating

The Wheel of Five serves as a practical tool for the Netherlands Nutrition Centre to provide examples of healthy dietary patterns . It divides food into five segments, each representing food groups that contribute to health and provide essential nutrients . The upcoming revisions aim to ensure the Wheel of Five continues to reflect the most current scientific understanding of nutrition and sustainability.