Animal Source Foods Research Articles

Comparative Study of the Technological Potential of Durum Wheat Varieties after Natural Aging

Background: Durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] is one of the most essential cereal species and is cultivated worldwide over almost 17 million ha, with a global production of 38.1 million tonnes in 2019 (Ioannis et al., 2020). Cereal grains have always been the main source of food for humans and domestic animals. In Algeria, cereal products, mainly wheat, play a strategic role in the food system and the national economy. Knowledge of the phenomena governing their preservation and mastery of storage techniques are crucial to the survival of the world’s population. The world human population is increasing day by day and estimated to reach 8.0 billion by 2025 and 8.9 billion by 2050. Methods: The ideal of this work was to study the effect of natural aging on the viability and technological quality of four kinds of durum wheat, saved for two years under two storage conditions, favorable conditions in the cold room, temperature (-04°C); moisture (12%) and inimical conditions (medium), temperature estimated between 11 and 37°C and relative moisture of 30 to 85 83%. To do this, a study of morphological, physiological, biochemical and technological parameters was initiated on the seed and on the whole factory. Result: The protein content values recorded are low compared to the control under both conditions (favorable, inimical) of natural aging; the differences are veritably largely significant. A significant increase in proline situations in seeds subordinated to natural aging compared to the control. Under good natural aging conditions, we notice that the different genotypes tested record low answerable sugar contents compared to the control; whereas under inimical NA conditions, we note a significant increase in answerable sugar content; the differences are veritably largely significant. The results attained show that, in general, the kinds are more sensitive to inimical conditions of natural aging, while without favorable conditions, the effect is less drastic.

A Diet Containing Animal Source Protein as Fresh, Lean Beef Is More Well Liked and Promotes Healthier Eating Behavior Compared with Plant-Based Alternatives in Women with Overweight

BackgroundDespite limited evidence from intervention trials, replacing animal-source protein-rich foods with plant alternatives continues to be recommended as part of a healthy dietary pattern. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine whether a diet containing fresh, lean beef elicits greater satiety, reduces ad libitum food intake, and is more acceptable compared with a diet containing plant alternatives in women with overweight. MethodsSeventeen women with overweight (mean ± SEM, age: 33 ± 1 y; BMI: 27.8 ± 0.1 kg/m2) completed an acute, tightly controlled, crossover design study. Participants were provided with eucaloric, isonitrogenous diets (15% of daily intake as protein) containing either 2 servings/d of fresh lean beef (BEEF) or plant equivalents (PLANT) for 7 d/pattern. During day 6 of each pattern, the participants completed a 10-h controlled-feeding, clinical testing day, which included repeated appetite and satiety questionnaires and blood sampling to assess pre- and postprandial plasma peptide YY (PYY) and GLP-1 across the day. On day 7, the participants completed a free-living testing day in which they consumed their respective protein foods and were provided with additional carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods to consume, ad libitum, during each eating occasion. Energy and macronutrient composition were assessed. A 2- to 3-wk washout period occurred between patterns. ResultsNo differences in daily satiety were detected between patterns. During the ad libitum testing day, 24-h food intake was not different between patterns (BEEF: 2714 ± 219 compared with PLANT: 2859 ± 147 kcals/d), BEEF led to fewer carbohydrates consumed compared with PLANT (338 ± 34 compared with 370 ± 22 g/d, P < 0.05), especially as sugar (169 ± 73 g compared with 186 ± 57 g, P = 0.05). Furthermore, BEEF was more well liked (i.e., higher flavor, texture, and acceptability) compared with PLANT (all, P < 0.05). ConclusionsAlthough satiety was similar between patterns, the consumption of animal-source protein-rich foods, such as fresh and lean beef, was more well liked and resulted in voluntary reductions in total carbohydrate and sugar intake in middle-aged women with overweight during a single ad libitum testing day.This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02614729.

The Influence of Plant-Based Diets on Metabolic Syndrome

The magnification of Western eating habits has contributed to a large increase in the development of several diseases and conditions, namely cardiovascular disease, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. These are part of a cluster of metabolic factors involved in metabolic syndrome. However, there are new dietary patterns more focused on the consumption of plant-based foods. Thus, the aim of this review was to investigate the impact of plant-based diets on metabolic syndrome and to achieve the inflammatory mediators and the antioxidant effects involved in this potential health benefits effect. Advanced research was performed for articles published in the last 10 years, which were analyzed and selected according to the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the articles analyzed, the majority supported the positive impact of plant-based diets on metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, several studies also showed that these diets appear to have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role. Thus, plant-based diets appear to have health benefits, contributing to the prevention of metabolic syndrome, and improving the cardiovascular and metabolic markers’ profile, mainly when including healthy foods. The total exclusion of animal source foods (especially meat and fish) from the diet, as well as the consumption of processed and additive plant-based foods, may contribute to an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Improved livestock production system and welfare in rural Ethiopia

AbstractWhile a lot has been written on the socio‐economic and welfare impacts of agricultural technologies, there has been a bias toward crop production systems to the neglect of improved livestock production methods and technologies. This paper explores the welfare impacts of improved livestock production practices and technologies using data from a low‐income country. Using an econometrics technique that corrects selection bias, the paper shows that the adoption of improved livestock production practices has a positive impact on household welfare, measured by consumption expenditure and diet quality. The study also identified increased consumption of animal source foods, reducing animal death and income from the sale of animals as potential mechanisms through which such improvements in livestock production affect family welfare.

Potential Nutrient Contribution of Community-Based Insects in Children’s Food in Northern Ghana

BackgroundMicronutrient deficiencies are a major problem among children in northern Ghana. Available local foods and existing plant-based dietary patterns among children are insufficient to meet children’s nutrients requirements. Aside enhancing diets with animal source foods, most of which are expensive for rural households, entomophagy, which is culturally accepted, appears to be a great alternative. ObjectivesThis study aimed to 1) document the types of insects commonly consumed and the reasons for or against entomophagy in the study area, 2) document the reasons for adding or not adding insects to household meals, and 3) determine the nutrient contribution of community-based insects in children's food. MethodsBoth qualitative and quantitative research methods were concurrently applied in this exploratory study (N = 392 individuals; 6 focus group discussions) in northern Ghana. ResultsTermites, crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars were recognized as the most prevalent edible insects in communities. These insects were largely consumed by children but presently only included in household meals by a few households. Individual, sociocultural, sensory characteristics of insects, climate, and economic aspects were cited as grounds for and against entomophagy. Existing community-based children’s diets were unable to meet the acceptable recommended nutrient intake (RNI; within a given age and gender group, the RNI is the amount of a nutrient ingested daily that would meet the needs of almost all healthy individuals in that group) level of all nutrients under consideration, especially for zinc, vitamin B-12, folate, and fat. Inclusion of community-based edible insects increased the RNI levels for all 11 micronutrients considered and met children’s zinc, vitamin B-12, folate, and fat requirements. ConclusionsCommunity-based insects demonstrate a great potential for meeting micronutrients needs of children in the research setting. Future research is required to improve households’ adoption of community-based insects as part of household meals and to make insects accessible to households.

Animal Source Foods and Infant Dietary Quality

Animal Source Foods and Infant Dietary Quality

Higher egg consumption and incident cardiovascular disease in Chinese adults - 10-Year follow-up results from China health and nutrition survey

Background and aimsCurrent evidence of the association between egg consumption and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is controversial. We aim to investigate the longitudinal association between egg consumption and the risk of CVD among Chinese adults. Methods and resultsA total of 16,030 adults who attended China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991–2015 were included in this study. Egg consumption was collected with 3-day 24-h recall method supplemented by household inventory record. Cumulative mean egg intake during 1991–2011 were calculated as the habitual intake. CVD incidence was self-reported as being diagnosed by physicians following study entry. The association between egg consumption and incident CVD was examined using Cox regression. The mean age (SD) of the study population was 43.7 (14.8) years and 51% were women. During a 9.9-year (median 9.0) follow up, 663 CVD incidents were reported. The corresponding incident rate (per 1000 person-year) by egg consumption level of none, 1–20, 21–50, and 50+gram/day was 2.6, 4.8, 4.2, 5.5 (P < 0.001) with the unadjusted HR (95% CI) of 1.0, 1.42 (1.12–1.80), 1.31 (1.02–1.67), 2.01 (1.53–2.64). After adjusted for demo socioeconomic, and behaviour factors, egg consumption>50 g/day increased the CVD incident by 43% (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–2.00. BMI, hypertension, and diabetes mediated the association between egg consumption and CVD. ConclusionHigher egg intake, as part of the modern dietary pattern high in sugars, fat, and animal-source foods, increased the risk of CVD. The effect of egg on CVD incident was partly mediated by overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Associations of Intrahousehold Allocation of Animal Source Food With Mother and Child Nutrition Outcomes in Low-Income Informal Settlements of Nairobi, Kenya

Associations of Intrahousehold Allocation of Animal Source Food With Mother and Child Nutrition Outcomes in Low-Income Informal Settlements of Nairobi, Kenya

Animal Source Food Beliefs, Perceptions, and Dietary Intake Among Mothers and Children in Kenya Informal Settlements

Animal Source Food Beliefs, Perceptions, and Dietary Intake Among Mothers and Children in Kenya Informal Settlements

Anaemia prevention among pregnant women: Views and experiences of pregnant women and antenatal care providers in Accra, Ghana

Background and ObjectiveAnaemia among pregnant women is a public health challenge in Ghana. Although there isa national programme of routine iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation, coverage issuboptimal. The current study explored experiences and perceptions of anaemiaprevention, and IFA use among pregnant women and antenatal care providers at twohospitals in Accra, Ghana, for enhancing the supplementation programme.MethodsUtilizing a qualitative approach, 6 focus group discussions with 48 purposively selectedpregnant women, and 10 in-depth interviews with care providers in two hospitals wereconducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Using both deductive and inductiveapproaches, priori themes that informed the design of the interview guides, and emergingcodes from transcripts were used in data analysis.ResultsIn both hospitals, pregnant women reported awareness of anaemia and identified poorquality diets and failure to take IFA as the predominant causes. Regular IFAsupplementation, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods wereindicated as the main anaemia remedies by the pregnant women. Turkey berry, beetroot,and hibiscus flower were also reported as therapeutic remedies for anaemia. IFA use waslinked with improved appetite, haemoglobin, and health status of mothers and their fetus.Both providers and pregnant women indicated that IFA is freely accessible throughgovernment facilities but may also be purchased. IFA supplements are recommended to betaken daily but three times for treatment; however, non-adherence to the recommendedfrequency was reported. This was attributed to adverse reactions including nausea andvomiting, unanticipated cost of increased appetite, forgetfulness to take IFA,misperceptions about adverse effects of IFA, transportation cost to access IFA, and longwaiting time at hospitals. Community-level focused antenatal care, follow-up visits, andphone calls were reported by providers as strategies to improve IFA uptake. Communitysensitization, enhanced access to IFA, and participatory approach to ANC services weresuggested by pregnant women as strategies for improving IFA uptake.ConclusionsFood insecurity and misperceptions about IFA should be addressed as part of efforts toaddress low IFA adherence and high maternal and child anaemia rates in Ghana.

Towards calorie-adequate diets to mitigate environmental impacts from food consumption in Asia

Climate change, damage to human health, ecosystem, and resource scarcity associated with food consumption were assessed in forty-four Asian countries from a cradle-to-gate perspective with life cycle assessment. To propose nutritionally and environmentally sustainable diets in Asian countries of varying economic status, five healthy diet scenarios were proposed considering calorific adequacy, environmental impacts, and income status, specifically for each country. Reducing the animal-sourced food calorie intake could decrease environmental impacts by 40‐63 % in high-income countries and 18‐39 % in low-income countries. However, for certain Asian countries with inadequate animal-sourced food calorie intake, a combined adjustment in animal-sourced food and cereal was recommended, as cereal is the most consumed food group in the Asian context. This could reduce the environmental impact by 21‐33 % in high-income countries and 16‐22 % in low-income countries. In North Korea, Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, Maldives, and Yemen which have insufficient calorie intake, increase in cereal intake was recommended as it is a staple food group. Although this would increase the environmental impact by around 5 %, it is still lower than the Asian average impact. This study emphasized the importance of considering not only environmental but also economic aspects when developing diets, as different combinations of these factors lead to unique food consumption patterns, resulting in different environmental profiles for food consumption in each country. The study developed alternative diets customized for each country, considering environmental impacts, calorific sufficiency, and income levels, to promote more environmentally sustainable food consumption in Asia.

Research Progress and Production Status of Edible Insects as Food in China.

Based on the background of the exacerbating food shortage in the world, it is particularly important to diversify food resources in every possible direction. Among the choices available, edible insects have become an important alternative source of animal food with their high nutritional and functional (pharmacological) values, partially replacing normally consumed animal and livestock protein food sources. The utilization of edible insects has been an ancient custom since the dawn of civilization, attributed to their rich nutrition, alternate protein source, medicinal values, and presence of diverse secondary metabolites and alkaloids. This review provides an introduction to three key aspects of edible insects as food: freshness, long-term preservation, and medicinal value. It also provides details on the food source and products of edible insect species, their detailed nutritional composition and medicinal values, and their potential in producing alternative protein sources. Additionally, the review also encompasses rearing and producing technologies, resource utilization, and industrial development in China. Simultaneously, the problems and challenges faced in the artificial rearing and production development of edible insects, the production advantages over traditional livestock, and the farming evaluation and prospects of edible insects, as well as the lack of specific legislation on edible insects in China, are discussed. This review will be helpful in scientific knowledge propagation regarding edible insects for the public, guiding consumers to establish a diverse perception of sustainable agriculture and food sources in the world that has, as yet, been thwarted by food insecurity. Moreover, though edible insects could potentially serve as part of a commercial and industrial agri-enterprise that could generate a huge income, artificial rearing technology and edible insect product manufacturing and processing have not received sufficient attention from the government on a policy level, thereby leaving an open space for extensive research on edible insects as an alternate food source as well as an examination of the industrial prospects of edible insect products.

Production pathway of smallholders to nutrition-sensitive agriculture in Northwest Ethiopia

Nutrition-sensitive agriculture is an approach that aims to ensure the production of affordable, safe, culturally appropriate, and nutritious foods in sufficient quantity and quality to meet dietary needs. This study aims to examine the production pathway by which smallholder farmers adopt nutrition-sensitive agriculture in northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected from 478 randomly sampled households through a structured questionnaire-based survey, observations, and group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the influences of demographic, socioeconomic, and institutional explanatory variables on the production of various food groups in households. Arable land owned by households, the use of irrigation, access to the nearest markets, contacts with agricultural extension workers, and management practices affect plant-sourced food production. On the other hand, the number of livestock owned, the total crop produced, and contacts with extension workers affected animal-sourced food production. However, different factors, such as technological, institutional, and managerial challenges, that include dependency on rain-fed and free-grazing-based traditional herding systems adversely affect the production pathway to nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The study concludes that improving agricultural extension services, promoting small-scale irrigation schemes, and introducing improved animal feeding with improved crop and livestock management techniques could significantly contribute to increased household availability of diversified foods.

Chinese consumers’ lived experiences of flexitarianism

PurposeThis was an explorative study, the purpose of which was to understand how Chinese flexitarians were motivated to reduce their animal-based food consumption and specifically to explore why and what was behind these changes. Further, this study provides insights into how a transition towards a more plant-based diet might occur.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted 30 in-depth online interviews with Chinese flexitarians from two major Chinese cities. Interview transcripts were analysed through the lens of the Food Choice Process Model.FindingsParticipants adopted flexitarian diets due to health (n = 22), sustainability (n = 5) or ethical (n = 3) concerns. Many participants stated that they still enjoyed animal-sourced foods, were uncomfortable talking about their dietary transition and needed more social support. Consequently, most participants were unlikely to progress to vegetarian or vegan diets. While there are some commonalities between these findings and the results of similar studies with Western consumers, the many culturally and context-specific results revealed herein make an important contribution to the sustainability literature.Originality/valueThis is the first study exploring Chinese consumers’ flexitarianism experiences. These findings can be used by the food industry and interested business actors to improve communication and promotional strategies that encourage consumers to make healthier and more sustainable food choices.

Elements in Serum, Muscle, Liver, and Kidney of Rabbits Fed Macroalgae-Supplemented Diets.

The addition of marine macroalgae to animal feed has garnered interest due to the demonstrated benefits of gut health in many livestock species. Most macroalgae have a higher mineral content than terrestrial vegetables, making them an attractive, sustainable source of minerals. However, some macroalgae contain elevated concentrations of iodine and arsenic, which may be transferred to the meat of livestock fed with macroalgae. This study evaluated the mineral profile of rabbit serum, muscle, liver, and kidney of rabbits fed diets supplemented with different marine macroalgae, with the goal of improving post-weaning gut health and reducing reliance on antibiotics. We found increased deposition of iodine in muscle, liver, and kidney due to macroalgae supplementation, which is particularly promising for regions with low iodine endemicity. Higher, though relatively low arsenic concentrations, compared to those in other animal meats and food sources, were also detected in the muscle, liver, and kidney of macroalgae-fed rabbits. The absence of apparent interactions with other micronutrients, particularly selenium, suggests that the inclusion of macroalgae in rabbit diets will not affect the overall mineral content. Enhanced bioavailability of elements such as phosphorus and iron may provide additional benefits, potentially reducing the need for mineral supplementation.

The termitaria terminator: Can Actinobolus beetles affect the relationships between termitaria and related fauna in the Brazilian Cerrado?

AbstractTermites are key components of tropical ecosystems, particularly in the Cerrado biome, where they dominate animal biomass and play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and soil formation. Their abundance and nutritional value make them primary food sources for various Cerrado animals, influencing predator diversity and several ecological interactions. Additionally, termite mounds serve as essential shelters for a wide range of fauna, aiding in thermoregulation and providing refuge from harsh environmental conditions, including wildfires. In this scenario, termitaria survival, diversity, and availability have several effects on the Cerrado fauna ecology. We present novel insights into the interaction between Actinobolus beetles and epigeous termite mounds in the Cerrado. Our field observations revealed Actinobolus beetles utilizing termite mounds for feeding and reproduction in several localities of Cerrado. These beetles access the inner portion of the termitaria, where the colony nest is located and protected by the termitaria's harder external layer and their larvae consume the termite nest structure. Actinobolus attack leads to partial or complete destruction of the colony and the creation of large hollows inside the mounds, causing deep changes in its structure. Despite the defensive mechanisms of termites, Actinobolus larvae thrive within the nest and likely ingest termites’ eggs, nymphae and adults. Furthermore, we found that the Actinobolus capsule are made of faecal pellets, instead of termitaria debris. We suggest that the interaction between Actinobolus beetles and epigeous termitaria impacts the role of termitaria in providing microclimate regulation, food and shelter for Cerrado fauna, likely having poorly understood effects on the conservation and management of Cerrado ecosystems.

The Egg Hub Model: A Sustainable and Replicable Approach to Address Food Security and Improve Livelihoods

BackgroundDespite progress in improving living standards and reduced poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition remain a significant issue worldwide. Childhood is a critical time for the intake of protein to support physical and cognitive growth, including animal-source foods like eggs which can effectively mitigate stunting in low- and middle-income countries. In Malawi, high malnutrition rates among women and children represent a significant public health challenge, but high-quality sources such as eggs remain costly, scarce, and rarely consumed by children in Malawi. The Egg Hub model, identified and piloted by local agri-food entrepreneurs and the Sight and Life Foundation in Malawi, tackles the obstacles faced by smallholder farmers, working to increase egg production, enhance availability, and improve consumption within rural communities by supporting small-scale farmers transition from unsustainable and unproductive backyard rearing to small-scale farm through access to high-quality inputs, training, loans, and a guaranteed market for their eggs. ObjectivesThis paper provides a detailed account of the implementation of the pilot of the Egg Hub Model in Malawi including the demand creation process, the impact of the model on producers, consumers, and operators, and the social, economic, and environmental sustainability aspects of the model. MethodsQualitative and quantitative surveys (n = 217 consumers) were used for demand creation and qualitative surveys were used with 15 retailers to determine egg sales. With 16 farmers and the egg hub operator, business metrics, including profits and loss records, were analyzed. ResultsThe pilot of the Egg Hub model in Malawi supported 85 farmers to triple their egg production, allowing their communities to purchase eggs at prices reduced by 40%, benefiting an estimated number of 180,000 rural poor. Egg consumption among the target population increased from an average of 2 to 9 eggs/month and led to reduced egg wastage and better biosecurity, reducing the risk of children’s exposure to chicken feces and infections. The achievements of this Egg Hub in Malawi allowed the model to be replicated in Ethiopia, Peru, and Brazil, producing 40 million eggs annually and benefiting more than half a million consumers. ConclusionThe Egg Hub model is a comprehensive and scalable solution to increase egg supply, address malnutrition and food insecurity, and improve livelihoods. The advantages include centralizing key activities through a community-centered approach, empowering female farmers, increasing access to a highly nutritious food, and economic benefits for farmers and their communities.

Source-specific nitrate intake and all-cause mortality in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study

IntroductionNitrate and nitrite are naturally occurring in both plant- and animal-sourced foods, are used as additives in the processing of meat, and are found in water. There is growing evidence that they exhibit a spectrum of health effects, depending on the dietary source. The aim of the study was to examine source-dependent associations between dietary intakes of nitrate/nitrite and both all-cause and cause-specific mortality.MethodsIn 52,247 participants of the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health Study, associations between source-dependent nitrate and nitrite intakes––calculated using comprehensive food composition and national drinking water quality monitoring databases––and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related, and cancer-related mortality over 27 years were examined using restricted cubic splines within Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary confounders. Analyses were stratified by factors hypothesised to influence the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds (namely, smoking and dietary intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and polyphenols).ResultsPlant-sourced nitrate intake was inversely associated with all-cause mortality [HRQ5vsQ1: 0.83 (0.80, 0.87)] while higher risks of all-cause mortality were seen for higher intakes of naturally occurring animal-sourced nitrate [1.09 (1.04, 1.14)], additive permitted meat-sourced nitrate [1.19 (1.14, 1.25)], and tap water-sourced nitrate [1.19 (1.14, 1.25)]. Similar source-dependent associations were seen for nitrite and for CVD-related and cancer-related mortality except that naturally occurring animal-sourced nitrate and tap water-sourced nitrate were not associated with cancer-related mortality and additive permitted meat-sourced nitrate was not associated with CVD-related mortality. No clear patterns emerged in stratified analyses.ConclusionNitrate/nitrite from plant sources are inversely associated while those from naturally occurring animal-sources, additive-permitted meat sources, and tap water-sources are positively associated with mortality.

Food Transfers, Cash Transfers, Behavior Change Communication and Child Nutrition: Evidence from Bangladesh

Abstract This paper reports the results of two 2-year randomized control trials in two poor rural areas of Bangladesh. Treatment arms included monthly cash transfers, monthly food rations of equivalent value to the cash transfers, and mixed monthly cash and food transfers, and treatment arms—one with food and one with cash—that combined transfers with nutrition-behavior communication change (BCC). This design enables a comparison of transfer modalities within the same experiment. Intent-to-treat estimators show that cash transfers and nutrition BCC had a large impact on nutritional status, a 0.25 standard deviation increase in height-for-age z-scores and a 7.8 percentage point decrease in stunting prevalence. No other treatment arm affected anthropometric outcomes. Mechanisms underlying these impacts are explored. Improved diets—particularly increased intake of animal source foods in the cash plus BCC arm—are consistent with the improvements observed in this paper.

The Future of Plant-Based Diets: Aligning Healthy Marketplace Choices with Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Food Systems.

The future of plant-based diets is a complex public health issue inextricably linked to planetary health. Shifting the world's population to consume nutrient-rich, plant-based diets is among the most impactful strategies to transition to sustainable food systems to feed 10 billion people by 2050. This review summarizes how international expert bodies define sustainable diets and food systems and describes types of sustainable dietary patterns. It also explores how the type and proportion of plant- versus animal-source foods and alternative proteins relate to sustainable diets to reduce diet-related morbidity and mortality. Thereafter, we synthesize evidence for current challenges and actions needed to achieve plant-based sustainable dietary patterns using a conceptual framework with principles to promote human health, ecological health, social equity, and economic prosperity. We recommend strategies for governments, businesses, and civil society to encourage marketplace choices that lead to plant-rich sustainable diets within healthy, equitable, and resilient agroecological food systems.