Research shows that most young people worldwide eat far too few fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds—with teenagers averaging only 3.5 servings daily, well below recommended amounts. According to Gram Research analysis of 1,248 dietary surveys across 185 countries, intake varies dramatically by region, with Vietnam and Mexico leading at over 4 servings daily while Spain and Pakistan average under 1.5 servings. The good news: global youth plant-based food consumption has improved since 1990, indicating progress is possible.
A major study analyzing eating habits across 185 countries found that young people globally aren’t consuming enough healthy plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. Researchers examined data from over 1,200 dietary surveys collected between 1990 and 2018 to understand what kids and teens are actually eating. The findings show big differences between countries and regions—some places like Vietnam and Mexico have much higher plant-based food intake than others like Spain and Pakistan. The research highlights that improving youth nutrition requires targeted efforts tailored to different regions and communities.
Key Statistics
A 2026 analysis of 1,248 dietary surveys from 185 countries found that globally, 15-19 year olds consume only 3.55 servings of healthy plant-based foods daily, far below nutritional recommendations for optimal health.
Among the world’s 25 most populous countries, Vietnam leads plant-based food intake at 4.28 servings per day while Spain has the lowest at 1.35 servings per day, according to the Global Dietary Database analysis.
The 2026 global dietary study found that youth in high-income countries show a unique pattern where babies and young children eat more plant-based foods than teenagers, driven primarily by fruit consumption.
Since 1990, global youth intake of non-starchy vegetables and nuts/seeds has increased while starchy vegetable consumption has decreased, showing shifting dietary patterns across the 28-year period analyzed.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How much fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes, and nuts young people (ages 0-19) eat around the world, and whether these amounts have changed since 1990.
- Who participated: Data from 1,248 dietary surveys across all 185 countries, representing millions of young people of different ages, genders, education levels, and living situations (urban vs. rural).
- Key finding: According to Gram Research analysis, teenagers globally eat only about 3.5 servings of healthy plant-based foods per day, while younger children eat even less—far below what nutrition experts recommend for good health.
- What it means for you: If you’re a parent or educator, this research suggests most young people need to eat significantly more fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. The good news: intake has improved since 1990, showing progress is possible with the right efforts.
The Research Details
Researchers gathered information from 1,248 dietary surveys conducted in 185 countries between 1990 and 2018. They used a sophisticated statistical method called a Bayesian hierarchical model to combine all this data while accounting for differences in how surveys were conducted, changes over time, and uncertainty in the measurements.
The study looked at five types of healthy plant-based foods: fruits, non-starchy vegetables (like leafy greens and broccoli), starchy vegetables (like sweet potatoes, excluding regular potatoes), beans and legumes, and nuts and seeds. Researchers measured how much young people ate in ‘servings per day’ and adjusted for total calorie intake to make fair comparisons.
They examined patterns by age group (babies under 1 year old through 15-19 year olds), by geographic region, by country, and by factors like gender, education level of the household, and whether youth lived in cities or rural areas.
This approach is important because it creates a comprehensive global picture using data from many different sources and countries. By combining surveys from 1990 to 2018, researchers could track whether youth diets are improving or getting worse. The statistical method they used handles the reality that different countries collect dietary data differently, making it possible to make fair comparisons across the world.
This is a high-quality study published in BMJ Global Health, a respected medical journal. The researchers analyzed data from surveys across all 185 countries, giving truly global perspective. They were transparent about uncertainty in their measurements, showing ranges rather than claiming false precision. The study’s size and scope make it one of the most comprehensive looks at youth plant-based food intake worldwide.
What the Results Show
The research reveals that young people globally consume inadequate amounts of healthy plant-based foods. Babies under 1 year old eat about 1.2 servings per day, while 15-19 year olds eat about 3.6 servings per day. These amounts are substantially below what nutrition experts recommend for optimal health.
Geographic differences are striking. East and Southeast Asia have the highest plant-based food intake, driven mainly by high vegetable consumption. South Asia has the lowest intake across all age groups. Among the world’s 25 most populous countries, Vietnam leads with 4.3 servings per day, while Spain has the lowest at 1.4 servings per day.
Interestingly, high-income countries show a different pattern: babies and young children there eat more plant-based foods than older youth, mainly from fruit. In most other regions, intake increases as children get older. Girls and young women tend to eat more fruits and vegetables than boys and young men in most regions.
Several other patterns emerged from the data. Youth living in cities eat more fruits, nuts, and seeds compared to those in rural areas. Young people from more educated households consume more of all plant-based foods except beans and legumes. Since 1990, global youth intake of non-starchy vegetables and nuts/seeds has increased, while intake of starchy vegetables has decreased. Overall plant-based food consumption has improved, but from a very low baseline.
This study provides the first comprehensive global assessment of plant-based food intake specifically in youth. Previous research focused on adults or specific regions. The finding that intake varies dramatically by country and region aligns with what smaller studies have suggested, but this research quantifies the differences on a global scale. The improvement since 1990 is encouraging but shows that progress has been slow relative to the need.
The study relies on dietary surveys, which depend on people accurately remembering and reporting what they eat—this can introduce errors. Survey methods vary across countries, which researchers tried to account for statistically but which may still affect comparisons. The data doesn’t explain why intake varies, only that it does. Additionally, the study measures intake in 2018, so more recent eating patterns may differ. Finally, the research doesn’t assess whether the plant-based foods consumed are organic, processed, or fresh.
The Bottom Line
Strong evidence supports increasing plant-based food intake in youth diets globally. Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for school-age children, with higher amounts for teens. Include variety: different colored vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These recommendations apply across all regions, though specific implementation should consider local food availability and cultural preferences. Confidence level: High, based on extensive global data.
Parents, educators, school administrators, and policymakers should prioritize this research. It’s especially relevant for communities in South Asia, Spain, Pakistan, and the UK where intake is lowest. Healthcare providers should use this data when counseling families about nutrition. Food companies and governments developing nutrition policies should consider these findings when creating guidelines. Young people themselves should understand that eating more plant-based foods supports their growth, energy, and long-term health.
Increasing plant-based food intake should show benefits within weeks to months. Energy levels and digestion often improve first (2-4 weeks). Long-term benefits like reduced disease risk develop over years and decades of consistent healthy eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fruit and vegetables should kids eat every day?
Nutrition experts recommend at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for children and teens. The global study found most youth eat only 1-3.5 servings, indicating widespread deficiency. Increasing intake supports growth, energy, and disease prevention.
Which countries have the healthiest youth diets in terms of plant-based foods?
Vietnam, Congo, and Mexico lead globally with 4-5 servings of plant-based foods daily. East and Southeast Asia generally have higher intake driven by vegetable consumption. South Asia has the lowest intake across all age groups.
Do boys and girls eat different amounts of fruits and vegetables?
Yes, the research found that girls and young women consume more fruits and non-starchy vegetables than boys and young men in most regions worldwide, though the differences vary by location.
Has youth plant-based food intake improved over time?
Partially. Since 1990, youth globally have increased consumption of non-starchy vegetables and nuts/seeds while decreasing starchy vegetables. Overall plant-based food intake has improved, but from a very low baseline and remains inadequate.
Why do kids in wealthy countries eat differently than kids in developing countries?
The study found that in high-income countries, younger children eat more plant-based foods than teenagers, mainly from fruit. In other regions, intake increases with age. Differences reflect food availability, cultural preferences, cost, and education about nutrition.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily servings of plant-based foods by category: fruits, non-starchy vegetables, starchy vegetables, beans/legumes, and nuts/seeds. Set a goal of 5+ servings daily and log actual intake. Measure progress weekly.
- Start by adding one extra serving of vegetables or fruit to one meal daily. Use the app to identify which plant-based foods are easiest to access in your area, then build meals around those. Create a shopping list feature that highlights affordable plant-based options.
- Track intake weekly and monthly to identify patterns. Note which plant-based foods your household enjoys most and which are hardest to include. Use this data to adjust meal planning and identify barriers to overcome.
This research provides observational data about global eating patterns and should not replace personalized medical advice. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, activity level, health conditions, and other factors. Parents and caregivers should consult with pediatricians or registered dietitians for personalized nutrition guidance for their children. This study measures intake but does not establish that specific serving amounts will prevent disease in all individuals. Food allergies, cultural preferences, and medical conditions may affect what plant-based foods are appropriate for individual youth.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.