A Gram Research analysis of a Finnish daycare study found that when schools changed menus to include more beans, lentils, and local fish while reducing red meat, children’s eating habits shifted significantly within 10 months, and the environmental impact of their meals decreased by measurable amounts. Importantly, children still received all necessary nutrients despite eating less meat, showing that plant-based meals can support healthy child development while benefiting the planet.
A new study from Finland shows that when daycare centers change their menus to include more plant-based foods and teach children about healthy eating, kids actually eat better and the food has less impact on the environment. Researchers tracked 111 children at 23 daycare centers over 10 months and found that children ate more beans, lentils, and local fish while eating less red meat. The good news? The children still got all the nutrients they needed, but the meals were better for the planet. This research suggests that schools and daycare centers can be powerful places to help kids develop healthier eating habits that are also better for Earth.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cluster-randomized trial of 111 children at 23 Finnish daycare centers found that system-level menu changes toward plant-based foods increased legume consumption and decreased red meat intake with effect sizes ranging from 0.9 to 2.69 over a 10-month intervention period.
According to research reviewed by Gram, the intervention decreased both climate impact (p < 0.001) and biodiversity impact (p = 0.003) of children’s meals at daycare while maintaining adequate nutrient intake across all measured nutrients.
A 2026 study in the European Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that combining menu changes with food education at daycare centers resulted in substantial increases in fish and legume consumption among young children without compromising nutritional adequacy.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether changing daycare menus to include more plant-based foods and teaching kids about healthy eating would help children eat better and reduce the environmental impact of their meals.
- Who participated: 111 children attending 23 daycare centers across four cities in Finland. The study lasted 10 months in 2022.
- Key finding: When daycares switched to menus with more beans, lentils, and local fish and less red meat, children’s eating habits changed significantly. The environmental impact of the food they ate decreased by measurable amounts, while their nutrient intake stayed healthy.
- What it means for you: If your child’s daycare or school makes similar menu changes, you can expect them to naturally eat more plant-based foods without losing important nutrients. This approach works best when combined with teaching children about food and nutrition.
The Research Details
This was a cluster-randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers worked with 23 daycare centers in Finland and divided them into groups—some received the new menu and food education program, while others continued with their regular meals. The intervention lasted 10 months and included two main parts: changing the daycare menus to include more plant-based foods (like beans and lentils) and fewer meat products, plus teaching children about healthy and sustainable eating.
The researchers designed the program themselves but then worked closely with daycare staff, food service workers, and local government officials to make sure the program would actually work in real daycare settings. This collaboration is important because it means the program was practical and realistic, not just something that looked good on paper.
Children’s eating habits were measured three times: at the start, in the middle, and at the end of the 10-month period. Researchers used food frequency questionnaires, which ask children and families what they ate over a certain time period. They also calculated how much each meal affected the climate and biodiversity using scientific measurements for different foods.
This study design is important because it tests whether changes work in real-world settings where children actually eat, not just in laboratory conditions. By working with daycare professionals from the beginning, the researchers made sure their program could actually be used by other daycare centers. The study also measured both health outcomes (what children ate and their nutrients) and environmental outcomes (the climate and biodiversity impact of meals), which gives a complete picture of whether the program works.
This study has several strengths: it used a randomized design, included multiple measurements over time, had a reasonable sample size for this type of research, and was published in a respected nutrition journal. The researchers were transparent about their methods and used proper statistical analysis. However, the study was conducted only in Finland, so results might be different in other countries with different food cultures and available foods. The study also relied on parents and children to report what was eaten, which can sometimes be less accurate than direct observation.
What the Results Show
The changes in what children ate were dramatic and statistically significant. Children’s consumption of legumes (beans and lentils) and legume products increased substantially. Fish from nearby areas also increased in children’s diets. At the same time, children ate much less red meat, sausages, and other processed meat products. These changes were large enough to be considered clinically meaningful, with effect sizes ranging from 0.9 to 2.69—meaning the changes were not just statistically significant but also practically important.
Despite these major shifts in what children were eating, their overall nutrient intake remained healthy and unchanged. This is crucial because it shows that moving toward more plant-based meals didn’t cause children to miss out on important vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients they need for growth and development.
The environmental impact of the meals decreased significantly. The climate impact of the food provided at daycare went down (p < 0.001, which means this result is extremely unlikely to have happened by chance), and the biodiversity impact also decreased (p = 0.003). In practical terms, this means the meals were better for the planet in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on wildlife and ecosystems.
The study showed that the combination of menu changes plus food education was effective. Simply changing what’s served isn’t enough—teaching children about why these foods matter appears to help them accept and enjoy the new meals. The fact that nutrient intake stayed the same suggests that plant-based proteins like legumes can effectively replace animal proteins in children’s diets when meals are properly planned.
This research builds on earlier studies showing that plant-based diets can be healthy for children and better for the environment. However, this study is unique because it shows that these changes can actually happen in real daycare settings with real children, not just in theory. Previous research often looked at individual dietary choices, but this study demonstrates that system-level changes—changing what an entire institution serves—can work effectively. The finding that nutrient intake didn’t suffer is important because previous concerns about plant-based diets for children sometimes focused on potential nutrient gaps.
The study was conducted only in Finland, so the results might not apply exactly the same way in other countries where different foods are available and cultural food preferences are different. The study measured children’s eating through questionnaires rather than directly observing what they ate, which can be less precise. The study lasted 10 months, which is a good length for seeing changes, but we don’t know if these eating habits would continue long-term after the intervention ended. The sample size of 111 children is reasonable but relatively modest, so results should be confirmed in larger studies. Finally, the study didn’t measure whether children’s eating habits at home changed, only what they ate at daycare.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, daycare centers and schools should consider implementing similar menu changes toward more plant-based foods combined with food education programs. The evidence is strong (from a well-designed randomized trial) that this approach works. Parents can advocate for these changes at their children’s schools and daycare centers. At home, families can gradually introduce more legumes, beans, and plant-based proteins while maintaining balanced nutrition. The confidence level for these recommendations is moderate to high based on this single study, but the approach aligns with broader nutrition science.
Daycare directors, school food service managers, and parents of young children should pay attention to this research. Children ages 2-6 are the ideal age group for establishing healthy eating habits, making daycare an important setting for intervention. Municipal and government officials responsible for food policy in schools should consider these findings. Families concerned about environmental sustainability and their children’s health will find this research relevant. However, this study specifically looked at daycare settings, so the results may need adjustment for school-age children or home settings.
The changes in children’s eating happened within the 10-month intervention period, so you could expect to see shifts in food preferences relatively quickly—likely within a few months of menu changes. However, establishing long-term healthy eating habits typically takes longer. The environmental benefits were measured immediately based on the foods served. To see lasting changes in children’s food preferences and habits, experts generally recommend maintaining these programs for at least 6-12 months, and ideally longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can young children get enough protein and nutrients on a plant-based diet?
Yes, according to a 2026 Finnish daycare study, children maintained adequate nutrient intake even when eating significantly more plant-based foods and less meat. Legumes, beans, and lentils provide complete proteins when meals are properly planned.
How long does it take for kids to accept healthier school lunches?
A 2026 study found measurable changes in children’s eating habits within 10 months when menus shifted toward plant-based foods combined with food education. Changes appeared substantial, suggesting acceptance develops relatively quickly with consistent exposure.
Does changing school menus actually reduce environmental impact?
Research shows yes—a 2026 daycare intervention decreased both climate impact and biodiversity impact of meals when menus shifted toward more legumes and local fish while reducing red meat, with statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003).
What’s the best way to introduce plant-based foods to young children?
A 2026 study found that combining menu changes with food education was most effective. Teaching children about foods alongside serving them helps acceptance. Starting with familiar legume-based dishes and gradually increasing variety works better than sudden major changes.
Will my child’s growth be affected by eating less meat at school?
A 2026 Finnish study of 111 children found that nutrient intake remained unchanged despite substantial reductions in meat consumption when plant-based proteins like legumes replaced animal proteins. Regular pediatric checkups can monitor individual growth.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your child’s legume and plant-based protein intake weekly (servings of beans, lentils, tofu, or plant-based meals) and compare it to their red meat consumption. Set a goal to gradually increase plant-based meals to 3-4 times per week while reducing processed meats.
- Use the app to plan one plant-based meal per day for your family, starting with familiar legume-based dishes. Create a simple food education activity each week—such as learning where a food comes from or how it affects the environment—to involve your child in the process, similar to the daycare education component.
- Track monthly changes in your child’s food preferences and acceptance of plant-based foods. Monitor their energy levels and growth (through regular pediatric checkups) to ensure nutrient intake remains adequate. Document which plant-based foods your child enjoys most to build a personalized healthy eating pattern.
This research demonstrates the effectiveness of menu changes in a specific daycare setting in Finland. Individual results may vary based on local food availability, cultural preferences, and individual child needs. Before making significant changes to your child’s diet, consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian, especially if your child has food allergies, intolerances, or other health conditions. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice. The study measured group-level changes; individual children may respond differently to dietary modifications.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.