Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are essential public health tools designed to guide populations towards healthier eating habits. Developed and disseminated by national government agencies, FBDGs can be presented in text or diagrammatic formats, such as food guides. These guidelines aim to be easily understood by the general population to enhance food literacy. The field of nutrition is continually evolving, with new concepts and issues emerging, such as the effectiveness of communication tools, the health impacts of highly processed foods, and the environmental consequences of different food categories. Recent studies have shown significant changes in the design of food guides, with many countries adopting a plate design. However, there are ongoing debates about the best design format, the role of ultra-processed foods (UPF), and the integration of environmental sustainability into FBDGs.

This research topic aims to explore the various aspects of designing and implementing effective FBDGs. The primary objectives include examining recent developments in food guide designs, understanding how to incorporate UPF into dietary advice, and evaluating the role of traditional dietary patterns and social food behaviors. Additionally, the research seeks to address the growing need to include environmentally-friendly advice in FBDGs to promote sustainable diets. By answering these questions, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how FBDGs can be optimized to improve public health and environmental outcomes.

To gather further insights into the complexities and challenges of FBDGs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Recent developments in the design of food guides, including the debate between plate and pyramid designs
• The incorporation of UPF into FBDGs and the potential health implications
• Differences in food categorization across various food guides and their implications
• The integration of traditional dietary patterns and social food behaviors into FBDGs
• The inclusion of environmentally-friendly advice to promote sustainable diets
• Strategies for using FBDGs to increase food literacy among the general population and specific groups such as children and the elderly
• Policy and economic issues related to the development and implementation of FBDGs

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Frontiers in Nutrition

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