What Do the Dutch Eat That Makes Them So Tall? The Surprising Truth

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Since the mid-19th century, Dutch men's average height has increased by 20cm, far too rapidly for genetics alone to explain. This astonishing growth begs the question: what do the Dutch eat that makes them so tall? The answer is a complex mix of diet, environment, and social factors.

Quick Summary

This article explores the comprehensive nutritional, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to the Dutch being the world's tallest people, moving beyond simple food-based assumptions.

Key Points

Dairy is a Key Component: The Dutch diet includes exceptionally high levels of dairy, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, which are rich in growth-promoting calcium and protein.
Genetics Play a Major Role: While diet is important, genetics account for roughly 80% of an individual's height potential, which was unlocked by favorable conditions.
Socioeconomic Factors Were Critical: Improvements in living conditions, income, and healthcare during the 20th century allowed the population to maximize their genetic potential, reversing a historic trend of being shorter than average.
Natural Selection May Have Contributed: Research suggests that, for a period, taller Dutch men in the past had more children, potentially accelerating the selection for height genes.
Lifestyle and Overall Health Matter: Regular exercise, a balanced diet including plenty of vegetables, and a robust healthcare system all contribute to minimizing growth-stunting factors like disease.
It's a Multifactorial Phenomenon: There is no single food or secret; the Dutch height is a product of a complex interplay between nutrition, genetics, environmental factors, and culture.

The Rapid Ascent: How the Dutch Became the Tallest

For most of the 18th century, the Dutch were among the shortest people in Europe. However, a significant growth spurt began in the mid-19th century, leading to them becoming the world's tallest nation by the 1980s. Today, the average Dutch man is around 183.8 cm tall. This rapid increase is attributed to a combination of improved environmental factors interacting with genetic potential.

The Role of a Dairy-Rich Diet

A key dietary factor linked to Dutch height is high dairy consumption from a young age. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are staples, providing essential calcium and protein for bone growth. Many Europeans possess a genetic trait allowing them to digest milk into adulthood, ensuring a consistent protein source. The robust Dutch dairy industry has historically provided an abundant and affordable supply. Common Dutch dairy products include Gouda, Edam, milk, yogurt, and vla.

A Balanced Diet with Less Processed Foods

The broader Dutch diet has also become healthier, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as recommended by their 'Schijf van Vijf' guidelines. This focus on nutrient-dense foods, combined with reduced consumption of processed items, supports overall health and development. Traditional dishes like stamppot and erwtensoep are also nutritionally sound.

The Genetic and Socio-economic Explanations

While diet is crucial, genetics largely determine height potential (around 80%). The Dutch growth spurt highlights the interaction between genetics and improved conditions. Research suggests natural selection may have played a role, with taller Dutch men historically having more children, potentially increasing the prevalence of tall genes. The development of the Netherlands as a welfare state with better healthcare and economic stability also provided an environment where people could reach their full genetic potential, minimizing the impact of disease and malnutrition. An active lifestyle, particularly cycling, also contributes to health and bone development.

Comparison Table: Height Maximization Factors


Factor	The Dutch Advantage (Maximized Height)	The Limited-Growth Scenario (Stunted Height)
Diet	High intake of nutrient-dense dairy products (calcium, protein) and a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.	Low intake of high-quality proteins and calcium due to limited access or poor diet; prevalence of processed foods.
Genetics	Favorable genetic predisposition for taller stature, potentially amplified by historical natural selection favoring height.	Genetic potential not fully expressed due to limiting environmental factors.
Socioeconomics	Widespread economic stability, low income inequality, and strong social welfare programs ensure consistent access to good nutrition and healthcare.	Economic hardship and income inequality lead to periods of famine or poor nutrition, stunting growth across generations.
Healthcare	Excellent healthcare system providing care from birth, reducing childhood illness and ensuring strong, healthy development.	Limited access to quality healthcare, meaning childhood diseases take a greater toll on energy and growth.
Lifestyle	Active culture with widespread cycling and regular physical activity, supporting strong bone density.	Predominantly sedentary lifestyle with limited opportunities for physical exercise.

Conclusion: A Perfect Storm of Conditions

The height of the Dutch is a result of multiple factors, not just diet. A combination of a nutrient-rich, dairy-heavy diet, a favorable genetic predisposition potentially influenced by historical reproductive patterns, and the significant environmental benefits of a strong welfare state, excellent healthcare, and economic stability have all contributed. Their diet provides the necessary nutrients, genetics the potential, and their environment the conditions for optimal growth.

For more insight into human growth and genetics, visit the MedlinePlus article on height.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consuming dairy products like cheese and milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein that are crucial for bone and muscle growth during development. While these nutrients support growth, they do not guarantee a specific height, which is mostly determined by genetics.

Yes, historic records show that in the mid-19th century, the Dutch were among Europe's shortest people. Their impressive growth spurt is a relatively recent phenomenon, occurring over the last 150 years due to a combination of factors.

Genetic factors are believed to be the largest determinant of an individual's height, accounting for approximately 80% of their final stature. This is why children generally grow to be a similar height to their parents.

Beyond diet, factors like an advanced healthcare system, low income inequality, and widespread economic stability have minimized health issues that can stunt growth. An active lifestyle, including high rates of cycling, also supports strong bone development.

No specific 'magic' food is responsible. Instead, the overall Dutch diet, which is rich in a variety of nutritious foods—including dairy, vegetables, and whole grains—provides the building blocks for growth.

Yes, a study found that historically, taller Dutch men had more children than shorter ones, which may have led to a higher frequency of 'tall genes' being passed down through generations. This is considered a contributing factor alongside environmental improvements.

Research suggests that the rapid increase in Dutch height has largely leveled off in recent years. This phenomenon is similar to patterns seen in other nations that experienced significant height gains, where growth tends to stabilize after reaching a peak.