Sustainability benefits of transitioning from current diets to plant-based alternatives or whole-food diets in Sweden

By:
Anne Charlotte Bunge, Rachel Mazac, Michael Clark, Amanda Wood, Line Gordon
Date:
2025
Resource type:
Peer review
Link:

This study modeled the environmental, nutritional, and economic effects of transitioning from current Swedish diets to plant-based alternatives (PBAs) or whole-food (WF) diets under vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian scenarios. Results show that GHG emissions, land use, and freshwater use decrease significantly (up to 56% for vegan WFs). Nutritional adequacy was generally met, though vitamin B12, D, and selenium were insufficient in vegan diets. WF diets were cheaper than PBAs, but PBAs offered more convenience. The study emphasizes reducing animal-source food (ASF) intake and diversifying food options for a more sustainable and acceptable transition.

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