Differences in the Cost and Environmental Impact Between the Current Diet in Brazil and Healthy and Sustainable Diets: A Modeling Study

By:
Thaís Cristina Marquezine Caldeira, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Boyd Swinburn, Sally Mackay, Rafael Moreira Claro
Date:
2024
Resource type:
Blogs/news/opinion
Link:

This study, authored by Thaís Cristina Marquezine Caldeira and colleagues, examines the cost and environmental impact of the current Brazilian diet (CBD) in comparison to two healthier and more sustainable diets: the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines (BDG) diet and the EAT-Lancet diet. Utilizing data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey and the Footprints of Foods and Culinary Preparations Consumed in Brazil database, the study reveals that the BDG diet is more cost-effective and has a lower environmental impact than the CBD, while the EAT-Lancet diet is slightly more expensive but has an even lower environmental footprint. The research underscores the importance of promoting healthier and more sustainable diets through multisectoral public policies in Brazil.

Source: Canva