Strengthen health and sustainability through your food choices

Our food choices affect our health every day. At the same time, they influence the environment future generations will live in. Health‑promoting and sustainable diets are not just a passing trend – they are a scientifically proven way to prevent diseases and reduce environmental impact.

Read more about what characterises health‑promoting and sustainable diets

3 tips for a balanced diet

No single food is healthy or unhealthy, forbidden or allowed – what matters most is the overall picture.

About the topic in more depth

How do Finns eat?

THL studies the relationship between diet and health in different population groups and compiles information on the nutrition and eating habits of people in Finland.

How can different actors build a sustainable and health‑promoting food system?

Many actors share responsibility for promoting healthy and sustainable nutrition in Finland. Key actors include policymakers, the retail sector, the food industry and public food services.

How nutrition recommendations are developed

Finnish nutrition recommendations are based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. They are primarily grounded in the health effects of diet but also take into account the environmental impacts of food.

Website

Fineli – database of the nutrient composition of Finnish foods

In Fineli you can check the nutrient content of different foods and ingredients and compile your own food diary.

Webpage

Nutrition recommendations for different population groups

The nutrition recommendations are designed to be used in healthcare, meal planning for food services, food product development, communication, as well as nutrition education and guidance.

Publication

Sustainable health from food – national nutrition recommendations 2024 (Julkari)

The publication includes recommendations for energy and nutrient intake, recommended dietary choices and guidance for implementing and applying the recommendations.

Project

Youth Nutrition Survey

The survey monitors the food consumption, nutrient intake, nutritional status, and eating behaviour of young people aged 12–18, as well as socioeconomic differences in diet.