Danes not eating enough legumes: despite strong interest in greener eating, preliminary figures reported by DR from the DTU Food Institute (DTU Fødevareinstituttet) indicate that Danes still consume far more meat and far fewer legumes than the official dietary guidelines advise (reported on 23 September 2025). The pattern underscores a gap between dietary ambitions and everyday choices in Denmark.
DTU figures point to a wide gap between guidance and habits
Initial findings referenced by DR suggest that meat still dominates Danish plates, while beans, lentils and chickpeas are far from routine. According to DTU’s senior adviser Sisse Fagt, the average daily meat intake remains well above the recommended level, while even the most plant‑interested Danes only manage small amounts of legumes. The message is consistent: current consumption falls short of national health and climate goals.
What the Danish dietary guidelines actually require
Denmark’s Official Dietary Guidelines from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) recommend limiting meat to about 350 g per week (roughly 50 g per day) and increasing legume intake to around 100 g per day as part of a plant‑rich diet. The guidance sits alongside the well‑known “6 a day” for fruit and vegetables and encourages swapping red and processed meat with legumes and fish.
Knowledge gaps and routines still block legume uptake
Evidence from Danish authorities shows that many consumers are unsure about what counts as a legume and how to use dried pulses in everyday dishes. Past surveys have found low average intakes and limited familiarity with staples such as kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils. Habits and convenience continue to steer shoppers toward familiar protein sources, even as interest in greener meals grows.
Health and climate payoffs of beans and lentils
Legumes are rich in dietary fibre and plant protein, and they generally have a low climate footprint compared with many animal‑based foods. Replacing part of the red and processed meat in weekly menus with beans or lentils supports both public health objectives and Denmark’s climate targets. For households, the switch can be budget‑friendly and compatible with familiar recipes, from stews to salads.
Nordic context: aligning Denmark with regional guidance
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 call for predominantly plant‑based diets, explicitly highlighting pulses/legumes. Denmark’s focus on legumes and reduced meat therefore aligns with broader Nordic guidance and EU‑level climate ambitions. Closing the gap between guidance and practice will likely require clearer labelling, simple recipe inspiration, and support from retailers and public kitchens.
The data point to a consistent picture: Danes intend to eat greener but are not eating enough legumes to meet national guidance. As the new DTU results are finalised, policymakers and food educators in Denmark and across the Nordics will watch whether education campaigns and retail initiatives can turn intentions into measurable changes in the shopping basket.
