A recent study conducted in Portugal has found that the majority of Portuguese people support measures aimed at promoting healthy eating. The study, which was carried out in 2025 by the Direction-Geral da Saúde (DGS), involved a representative sample of 1,000 adults. The results show that most measures have over 80% support, particularly those targeting children. The study's findings were published in the report of the National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS).
The study evaluated various measures to promote healthy eating and found that the application of different VAT rates based on the nutritional quality of food and beverages had the highest level of support. This suggests that the Portuguese people value fiscal measures that align with public health objectives. Other measures, such as agreements with the food industry and distribution sector, and the definition of maximum values for salt and sugar in certain food categories, also received significant support.
Measures targeting spaces frequented by children and young people received particularly high levels of support. For example, the majority of respondents agreed that creches and schools should provide mostly healthy food options, with over 90% support for this measure. Similarly, the provision of free meals in these settings also received high levels of support. According to Maria João Gregório, director of the PNPAS, these results show that there is a recognition of the importance of creating healthier food environments, particularly in spaces for children.
The study also found that measures aimed at improving food offerings in higher education institutions, healthcare settings, and workplaces received strong support. Additionally, limiting the placement of unhealthy foods in prominent locations in supermarkets was also widely supported. This measure aims to reduce the influence of product exposure at the point of purchase. Furthermore, the study revealed a high level of consensus regarding the availability of drinking fountains and tap water in public spaces and the food service sector.
In the area of consumer information, the study found strong support for measures such as the implementation of simplified nutritional labeling on food packaging, regulation of nutritional and health claims, and the provision of nutritional information on restaurant menus. According to Maria João Gregório, these results highlight the importance of providing nutritional information in a simple and clear manner, while also creating conditions that facilitate healthier food choices.
Despite the positive findings, the study also revealed that unhealthy eating habits continue to be a significant public health challenge in Portugal. According to the data, unhealthy eating habits are the fifth leading risk factor for loss of healthy life years, and over 50% of the population has excess weight. The main factors contributing to loss of healthy life years are low consumption of whole grains, high consumption of red meat, and high sodium intake.
The study also analyzed data from the 2025 National Health Survey, which found that 44.7% and 46.5% of children consume fast food or ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks at least once a week, respectively. However, the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in Portugal decreased to 3.5% in 2025, the lowest value since 2019. Additionally, the data show that malnutrition remains the most prevalent diagnosis related to nutritional status in hospital admissions, followed by obesity.
Key points
- The majority of Portuguese people support measures to promote healthy eating, particularly those targeting children.
- Measures such as the application of different VAT rates based on nutritional quality and agreements with the food industry received significant support.
- Despite the positive findings, unhealthy eating habits continue to be a significant public health challenge in Portugal.
