Media release: NZ dietary guidelines remain sound, but no one knows how closely they're being followed

Aotearoa New Zealand's dietary guidelines remain more evidence-based than the controversial new United States dietary guidelines, but a lack of up-to-date nutrition data means we do not know whether New Zealanders are following them, according to experts writing in a new Public Health Communication Centre Briefing. 

Briefing authors argue that while NZ’s dietary guidance continues to align with international recommendations, the country urgently needs a new national nutrition survey to understand what New Zealanders are eating and to guide effective food policy. 

The Briefing examines the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which have attracted criticism from nutrition experts for implying that butter, meat and beef tallow are healthy fats, prioritising meat and dairy over plant-based foods, and including a controversial "real food" inverted pyramid. 

Associate Professor Kathryn Bradbury from the University of Auckland says in comparison, New Zealand's current dietary guidelines remain broadly consistent with scientific evidence. 

"New Zealand's guidelines prioritise plant-based protein sources such as legumes, nuts and seeds, and encourage people to choose foods and drinks that are mostly whole and less processed. That approach aligns with current nutrition science and international recommendations." 

While the US dietary guidelines have received international attention, the Briefing authors say a more pressing issue for New Zealand is the lack of current information about what people are eating. 

"The most recent national nutrition survey for adults was conducted in 2008-09 and for children in 2002. We simply do not have current national data showing how closely New Zealanders' diets align with dietary recommendations," says Dr Bradbury. 

The Briefing notes that countries including the United States and United Kingdom conduct regular nutrition surveys, while Australia most recently collected national dietary data in 2023-24. 

National nutrition surveys are essential for understanding dietary trends, designing effective food policies and improving population health. 

"Without up-to-date data, it is difficult to know where the greatest nutrition challenges lie and whether existing policies are making a difference." 

The authors also argue that New Zealand's dietary guidelines should continue to be updated regularly as new evidence emerges and that future review processes should strengthen transparency and conflict-of-interest safeguards. 

"Our dietary guidelines provide an important foundation for nutrition policy, including standards for food provided in hospitals and schools. They should continue to be informed by the best available evidence and developed through transparent processes."