Finland's updated nutrition guidelines prompted an uptick in sales of plant-based foods, according to Pro Vege, a food industry association promoting plant-based foods.
The guidelines, updated in 2024, recommended that people should ideally consume around 500-800 grams of vegetables, fruits and berries a day and up to 350 grams of red meat (down from 500g of beef, pork and lamb) per week — with as little processed meat (cold cuts and sausages) as possible.
According to Pro Vege, overall plant-based food product purchases rose by 3.6 percent last year, compared to 2024.
The largest increase was seen in tofu and canned legume products, with tofu sales rising 12 percent and legumes up 14 percent, year-on-year.
According to a Pro Vege-sponsored survey, about 15 percent of respondents said the new guidelines had prompted them to make conscious changes in their eating habits. Nearly 40 percent said their interest in plant-based foods had increased due to the recommendations.
In a press release, Pro Vege's executive director Jukka Kaja noted that the nutritional guidelines were primarily aimed at encouraging professional kitchens to make their menus healthier. The fact that recommendations have also affected grocery store purchases was a pleasant surprise, according to the association.
The study was conducted online at the end of February. About 1,000 Finns took part in the survey.
