Strategies for increased adherence to the Mediterranean or healthy diet in university food services: a systematic review

Silva, Sofia Sousa; Rocha, Ada; Viegas, Cláudia

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/21736

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Authors

Silva, Sofia Sousa

Rocha, Ada

Viegas, Cláudia

Abstract(s)

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been recognised as a healthy and sustainable diet model. Despite this, current eating habits diverge significantly from established dietary recommendations, namely the MD among young university students. The eating habits of young people are characterised by a high consumption of energy-dense foods and a low consumption of vegetables and fruit. Thus, university canteen food services are essential in promoting a healthy and sustainable diet. This systematic review aimed to identify the strategies for promoting adherence to the MD and healthy diets in Higher Education food service. This systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Of the 39 studies that were retrieved, all focused on strategies to improve healthy eating, and none specifically used the term "Mediterranean". Studies were conducted in different countries worldwide. Architectural nudges, discounts on healthy food and nutritional information were identified as successful strategies, especially among females and students with higher nutrition education. A combination of nudging strategies in food service is a promising way to promote healthier food habits.

Description

Funded through the Project “MEDDIETMENUS4CAMPUS - Promoting stakeholder adherence to Mediterranean Diet on Campus through menu interventions and social marketing strategies”, within the scope of Transnational Cooperation – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) supported by the HORIZON 2020 Program and Foundation for Science and Technology through national funds through FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., under the project PRIMA/0008/2022/FCT and PRIMA/0009/2022/FCT.

Keywords

Food service Intervention strategies Mediterranean diet Menus Sustainability University canteens

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/21736

Citation

Silva SS, Rocha A, Viegas C. Strategies for increased adherence to the Mediterranean or healthy diet in university food services: a systematic review. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2025;76(3):236-64.