Balanced dietary changes are needed to meet Scotland’s health and climate ambitions, a report has found. Reducing meat and dairy in children’s diets could help meet Scotland’s dietary and climate goals, but should happen alongside wider improvements to diet, according to a report.Experts from the Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems examined the diets of children and young people aged two to 15 using data from their 2024 Dietary Intake in Scotland’s Children (DISH) Survey for the report, published by Food Standards Scotland (FSS). Findings show that most children consume meat and dairy, with 90 per cent consuming meat and 99.6 per cent consuming dairy. While reductions in meat and dairy in children’s diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support achievement of the Scottish Government’s dietary goals, careful replacement with nutrient-rich foods is essential to avoid worsening insufficient intakes.Nutrient-rich alternativesAlternatives such as pulses and legumes – such as beans and peas – eggs, oily fish and plant-based meat and dairy alternatives can help maintain essential nutrient intakes while supporting healthier diets overall. Healthy transitionsThe report emphasises that modest reductions in meat and dairy, alongside improvements to overall diet quality, can deliver benefits for both health and the environment, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28 per cent.The findings build on previous research exploring the impact of dietary changes in adults and show the importance of tailored approaches for children and young people, recognising differences in age, current intakes and nutrient requirements.FSS is calling on policymakers, educators, families and the wider food system to support balanced, nutrient-rich diets for children and young people, in alignment with the Eatwell Guide – a Government-approved approach to eating a balanced diet. The report has been published on the Food Standards Scotland website. Our modelling shows that it is possible to reduce meat and dairy consumption in line with climate targets while also improving adherence to the Scottish Dietary Goals. To maintain nutrient intake, healthy alternatives should be promoted alongside reductions. Achieving these shifts will require changes to the wider food environment, ensuring that healthy, sustainable options are widely available, affordable, and convenient. Professor Lindsay Jaacks, Chair of Global Health and Nutrition, the University of Edinburgh This research highlights how improving our diets overall can also contribute towards environmental sustainability. Meat and dairy are key sources of several micronutrients for children and young people, particularly teenagers. While we support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it’s vital that dietary changes also improve nutritional health. Families, schools, and policymakers need the right tools and guidance to support balanced diets, especially for those most at risk. Alana McDonald, Senior Public Health Nutritionist, Food Standards Scotland Related linksFSS report Document Infographic summarising DISH survey findings (1.74 MB / PDF) This article was published on 2025-10-08
