The report emphasizes that without replacing meat and dairy products with other nutrient-rich foods, existing nutrient deficiencies—particularly among young people—may worsen. Thus, a comprehensive dietary shift is critical for the health of this demographic.
Moreover, it states that significant improvements are necessary in the overall diets of children and young people. Reducing meat and dairy consumption while integrating healthier alternatives will confer benefits for health and the environment.
Research conducted by the University of Edinburgh, utilizing data from the 2024 Dietary Intake in Scotland’s Children Survey, reveals that 90% of children consume meat and 99.6% consume dairy. This highlights the urgency for dietary transformation.
Furthermore, the report indicates that supporting children in reducing their meat and dairy consumption—following the Climate Change Committee recommendations—could lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, potentially by up to 28%. This shift includes switching to pulses, legumes, eggs, oily fish, and plant-based alternatives.
Particularly, young people aged 11 to 15 stand to gain significantly from dietary improvements, as their current diets lack essential nutrients. Such changes are crucial not only for health but also for addressing climate change initiatives.
Adopting careful replacement strategies alongside comprehensive dietary enhancements will mitigate risks while improving health outcomes and supporting climate ambitions.
Alana McDonald, senior public health nutritionist at Food Standards Scotland, commented on the research, stating: “This research highlights how improving our diets overall can also contribute towards environmental sustainability.”
“Meat and dairy are sources of several micronutrients for children and young people, particularly those in their teenage years who are already at risk of low intakes of calcium, iodine, and zinc.”
McDonald also noted that any dietary shifts should align with bringing children’s diets “closer to the Eatwell Guide.”
“We need to ensure that families, schools, and policymakers are equipped with the right tools and guidance to support healthy, balanced diets—especially for those most at risk,” she concluded.
Professor Lindsay Jaacks, chair of global health and nutrition at the University of Edinburgh, added: “Our modelling shows that it is possible to reduce meat and dairy consumption in line with climate targets, and this would have the added benefit of improving adherence to the Scottish Dietary Goals. However, in order to improve micronutrient intakes at the same time, healthy alternatives should be promoted alongside reductions in meat and dairy.”
“To enable these shifts in what we eat, the broader food environment needs to change with healthy, sustainable options becoming more widely available, affordable, and convenient.”
