New food pyramid: the future of the Mediterranean diet

A working group from the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU), a non-profit scientific organization, has recently published a new version of the food pyramid.

The updated graphic representation proposes a revisited model of the traditional Mediterranean diet, further strengthening its scientific value. Numerous studies confirm that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern capable of significantly reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases.

And that's not all: the new food pyramid aims to promote a nutritional model that is not only healthy, but also sustainable. The goal is to encourage the use of fresh, local ingredients, reduce food waste, and promote more conscious use of resources, so that our daily habits have as little impact on the environment as possible. This approach is more necessary than ever, in light of the expected growth of the world's population in the coming years.

The new food pyramid: what's new?

The new pyramid makes consumption guidelines simpler and more intuitive, particularly for weekly intake.

The most noticeable change for those familiar with the food pyramid is the removal of the exact number of weekly servings for each food category. The structure is now based on three main levels:

• Daily consumption: the base of the pyramid, including fruit, vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, whole grains, nuts, reduced-fat milk, and yogurt
• Weekly consumption: the middle section of the pyramid, including legumes and fish, cheese (preferably fresh), white meat, eggs, and potatoes
• Occasional consumption: the top of the pyramid, including red and processed meats, sweets, and sugary snacks. These foods are strongly recommended to be limited due to their association with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

It is also recommended to strictly moderate sugar, salt, and alcohol intake, and to consume coffee, ginseng, and other beverages that affect the nervous system with caution.

The new food pyramid – official document published in NMCD

The Mediterranean diet between lifestyle and sustainability

At the base of the new food pyramid, other important lifestyle- and sustainability-related aspects are highlighted:

• the need for adequate hydration, preferably using public tap water
• the value of conviviality and regular physical activity
• a preference for fresh, seasonal products over heavily processed foods
• the use of spices and herbs to flavor foods instead of salt
• careful attention to avoiding or minimizing food waste
• choosing foods that respect natural biodiversity.

The Mediterranean diet thus confirms itself as an eating pattern capable of offering benefits not only for human health, but also of having a positive impact on the environment and climate, respecting local traditions, and ensuring high economic and social accessibility.

And what about the role of the food industry and the food service sector? According to experts, these players can also make a significant contribution to accelerating this process by collaborating with nutritionists and health institutions—for the protection of our health and in the interest of future generations.