The DOUBLE PYRAMID MODEL: a blueprint for sustainable nutrition

by Monica Rico

"The Double Pyramid Model is more than a dietary guideline; it's a transformative approach to how we view food production and consumption. By aligning our diets with this model, we not only improve our health but also take critical steps towards mitigating climate change." - said Marta Antonelli, Ph.D. in 2021, Head of research at Fondazione Barilla

The link between nutrition and the environment is becoming increasingly significant as we face global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and health crises. Proper nutrition not only enhances human health but also plays a significant role in reducing environmental impacts. Sustainable dietary practices are essential to address the global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change.

In light of this, the Fondazione Barilla developed the Double Pyramid Model to illustrate the complex relationship between dietary habits and their ecological footprints.

The Fondazione Barilla study highlights the connection between health and the climate impact of foods, aiming to transition towards sustainable and healthy diets that can effectively tackle the global challenges of obesity, malnutrition, and climate change.

This design shows that all foods can be part of a healthy and sustainable diet if consumed in appropriate portions and frequencies. It also reflects local traditions, cultures, and preferences. This model defines a healthy and sustainable diet as one that includes a significant amount of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, a variety of protein sources, mainly legumes and nuts, as well as dairy, fish, poultry, and eggs, and moderate consumption of red meats and high glycemic index foods.

Is a dual-structure concept that integrates two pyramids combining nutritional guidelines with ecological considerations.

1.     The Food Pyramid: This pyramid promotes a balanced diet, emphasizing frequent consumption of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Higher up are animal-based products like meat and dairy, recommended in moderation.

2.     The Environmental Pyramid: This pyramid ranks foods by their environmental impact. Plant-based foods with minimal ecological footprints are at the base, while foods with higher environmental costs, like red meat and dairy, are at the top.

“Foods with higher recommended consumption levels, are also those with lower environmental impact.”

This innovative approach effectively integrates human health with environmental protection, and following the model's dietary recommendations offers a range of benefits.

• Enhanced Health: Rich in plant-based foods, the model's guidelines can lower the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. A diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains ensures the intake of essential nutrients and fiber.

A study from the Barilla Foundation indicates that "following a Mediterranean diet, which is aligned with the principles of the Double Pyramid, can reduce mortality risk by 25%" (Fondazione Barilla, 2023).

• Environmental Benefits: Adhering to the Environmental Pyramid can significantly reduce one's ecological footprint. Reducing the consumption of high-impact foods like beef can substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water and land resources.

“The environmental impact associated with each food includes analyses of the entire supply chain, including cultivation and raw materials processing, manufacturing, packaging, transport, distribution, use, re-use, re-cycling and final disposal.”

In light of the important role these principles play, a number of companies are leading the way in sustainable nutrition:

• Kerry :is a global leader in taste and nutrition, committed to sustainable nutrition. They focus on reducing the environmental impact of their products and promoting healthy eating. One of their initiatives includes the development of plant-based food solutions that reduce reliance on animal products, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

"Kerry’s goal for sustainable nutrition is to reach more than 2 billion people with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030, however, to succeed in doing this we must be cognisant of the changing nature and perception of ‘sustainable nutrition'." – Juan Gabriel Aguiriano Nalda , Group Head of Sustainability at Kerry

• Unilever Food Solutions : through its Future Foods initiative, Unilever aims to make healthier and more sustainable food choices accessible to consumers. The company focuses on plant-based foods and reducing food waste. For example, Unilever has committed to halving food waste in its global operations by 2025 and increasing the number of plant-based products in its portfolio.
• Nestlé : is investing in sustainable food systems with a goal to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company is enhancing the nutritional profile of its products and has introduced initiatives like the Nestlé for Healthier Kids program, which aims to help 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030. Additionally, Nestlé is working to improve the sustainability of its supply chain, including efforts to source raw materials more responsibly.

“The diet traditionally followed in the countries of the Mediterranean region (in particular, in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and southern France) is a dietary model characterized by its marked nutritional balance and is recognized by many nutritionists and dieticians as one of the best diets in terms of physical well-being and the prevention of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular ones.”

Across Europe, countries are beginning to incorporate the Double Pyramid Model into their public health policies. Nations are integrating these principles into their national dietary guidelines, promoting diets that support both human health and environmental sustainability.

As we move towards more sustainable dietary practices, how do you think we can further encourage individuals and organizations to adopt the Double Pyramid Model?

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References:

• Barilla Centre for Food and Nutrition Foundation
• Kerry, Unilever, Nestlé
• Frontiers in Nutrition 
• Food Tank