Europe's New Project Revives the Mediterranean Diet With Science and Tradition
A new European initiative is promoting the Mediterranean diet through science and community involvement. The MoreMedDiet project, led by the University of Extremadura, brings together 10 countries to encourage healthier eating habits. With funding from the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), the scheme will run until 2026.
The project focuses on raising awareness about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. It involves key partners such as the Mediterranean Diet Foundation, national health ministries, and food industry stakeholders. Research institutions like the University of Florence, Polytechnic of Leiria, and Adnan Menderes University are also contributing.
Workshops with consumers, producers, and experts have already produced detailed guides for 13 recipes from Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and France. These sessions ensure the dishes appeal to different age groups while staying true to local traditions. The team will now refine these into the five healthiest and most innovative recipes, using only pesticide-free, plant-based ingredients and bioactive compounds.
To preserve freshness and reduce waste, the project will apply low-processing methods and advanced packaging. This approach aims to extend shelf life without harming nutritional quality or the environment. Additionally, researchers will study consumer behaviour, examining how socioeconomic, educational, and cultural factors influence food choices.
By 2026, the initiative will also create 10 new designs through co-creation workshops. These efforts seek to boost the recipes' visual appeal and encourage long-term adherence to the diet.
The MoreMedDiet project will conclude with five finalised recipes, supported by consumer research and sustainable packaging solutions. The findings and designs will be shared across the 10 participating countries. The goal is to make nutritious, locally sourced Mediterranean meals more accessible and appealing.
