In 2016, Public Health England introduced the Eatwell Guide, signaling a significant shift from the previous eatwell plate model. This change was not merely cosmetic; it was a fundamental revision of public health nutrition messaging based on updated scientific evidence, notably from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). The new guide aimed to provide clearer, more effective guidance on a balanced diet to help combat rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diet-related diseases in the UK.
Refined Recommendations Based on New Evidence
One of the most critical reasons behind the replacement was the incorporation of new dietary recommendations. The previous model was largely based on older evidence, and scientific understanding of nutrition had evolved significantly. The updated guidance placed a strong emphasis on reducing free sugar intake and increasing dietary fibre. SACN's report on Carbohydrates and Health, published in 2015, was a key driver, prompting a reduction in the recommended free sugar intake from 11% to just 5% of total dietary energy.
The Eatwell Guide also made changes to segment sizes to better reflect a healthy eating pattern. The fruit and vegetable segment, along with starchy carbohydrates, saw an increase, while the dairy and alternatives segment was reduced. This rebalancing was designed to align public diets more closely with the latest nutritional science.
Improved Clarity and Behavioral Nudging
Research found that many people misunderstood the eatwell plate to represent the proportions of a single meal, rather than a healthy balance over a whole day or week. The redesign to the Eatwell Guide and the removal of the knife and fork helped clarify this misconception. The visual language was also simplified, with the use of drawn images instead of photographs to prevent the guide from looking like a single plate of food.
Most notably, foods high in fat, salt, and sugar were moved outside the main circular graphic. In the previous model, these were contained within a purple segment, which unintentionally implied they were a necessary part of a balanced diet. By placing them on the periphery, the guide now strongly emphasizes that these items should be consumed less often and in small amounts, if at all.
Environmental Sustainability and Practical Advice
For the first time, the national dietary guide addressed environmental concerns. The new Eatwell Guide was assessed by the Carbon Trust, which found that a diet aligned with the guide had a substantially lower environmental impact than the typical UK diet. Key sustainability messages include: reducing red and processed meat, eating more beans and pulses, and choosing sustainably sourced fish.
The Eatwell Guide also introduced more practical advice for modern consumers:
- Clear Hydration Message: Specific advice on fluid intake was included, recommending 6-8 glasses of water, low-fat milk, or sugar-free drinks per day.
- Limit on Fruit Juice: The guide explicitly states that fruit juice and smoothies should be limited to 150ml a day, as they are high in free sugars.
- Emphasis on Labeling: It incorporated a visual representation of front-of-pack nutrition labels to help consumers make healthier choices when shopping.
- Energy Requirements: Calorie guidance for men and women was added to reinforce the importance of balancing energy intake.
Comparison Table: Eatwell Guide vs. eatwell plate
| Feature | Eatwell Plate (Pre-2016) | Eatwell Guide (Post-2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Depicted as a dinner plate with a knife and fork. | Depicted as a circular guide, no cutlery shown. |
| High Fat/Salt/Sugar Foods | Included within the main diagram in a purple segment. | Moved outside the main circle to show they are not a diet staple. |
| Free Sugar Recommendations | Based on outdated guidance (≤11% energy). | Based on new SACN evidence (≤5% energy). |
| Fibre Recommendations | Lower emphasis on increasing fibre intake. | Explicit recommendation for 30g of fibre per day. |
| Sustainability | No specific reference to environmental sustainability. | Includes messaging about reducing environmental impact. |
| Fluid Intake | No specific visual advice on hydration. | Includes a dedicated section and explicit message on fluid intake. |
| Fruit Juice | Counted as a portion of fruit and veg without a clear limit. | Explicitly limited to a maximum of 150ml a day due to free sugars. |
| Labelling Guidance | No information on front-of-pack nutritional labeling. | Includes visual guidance on traffic light food labels. |
| Image Style | Used photographs of food. | Uses drawn, graphical illustrations. |
Conclusion: A Shift Towards Evidence and Clarity
The decision to replace the eatwell plate with the Eatwell Guide was a response to a changing landscape of nutritional science and public health challenges. The new guide offers more precise and effective guidance, moving away from potentially misleading visual metaphors to provide clearer, action-oriented advice. By placing high-fat, salt, and sugar foods outside the core model, incorporating explicit hydration and fibre recommendations, and acknowledging environmental sustainability, the Eatwell Guide is a more comprehensive and modern tool for promoting a healthy, balanced diet. This evolution in public health communication is a crucial step towards equipping individuals with the information they need to make healthier and more sustainable food choices every day. To explore the guide further, readers can visit the official NHS Eatwell Guide page.
