Evaluation of the effects of Chinese Dietary Guidelines on nutrition, environment, and cost

National dietary guidelines serve as a strategic tool to facilitate dietary adjustments, improve human nutrition, and reduce environmental strain by guiding individuals toward healthier dietary choices. This study examines the evolution of Chinese Dietary Guidelines (CDG) and compares them with Chinese residents’ current dietary structure. The effects of the CDG on nutrition, the environment, and cost were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the gap between Chinese residents’ dietary structure and the CDG predominantly manifests as a severe deficiency in dairy consumption. The nutrients currently recommended in the CDG cannot meet the needs of the human body and have significant environmental impacts. In terms of cost, rural residents’ incomes may not be sufficient to fully adhere to CDG recommendations. We propose that future updates to the CDG should address issues related to inadequate nutrition and significant environmental impacts. Simultaneously, the government should prioritize facilitating access to the nutritionally adequate food recommended in the CDG for low-income groups.