You might assume it’s fitness-conscious young adults or middle-aged parents carefully planning meals. But, in a surprising twist, it’s young children and seniors who claim the top spots for the healthiest diets, while teenagers emerge as the least health-conscious group.
Why young children and seniors lead in healthy eating
Toddlers and preschoolers in the Netherlands score high for balanced eating, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS) report. This trend is largely driven by attentive parents who provide their young children with fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy, a practice reinforced through professional guidance at childcare centres. Liesbeth Velema of the Nutrition Centre explains that parents’ focus on nutrition fades as children get older, especially when kids reach primary school and begin making more independent food choices. However, during these early years, children benefit from structured meals and limited access to sugary snacks and processed foods.
At the other end of the spectrum, seniors over 65 also earn high marks for healthy diets, with a CBS score averaging 7.5 out of 10. This group tends to prioritize whole grains, vegetables and lean proteins, making them one of the healthiest age demographics. Seniors often benefit from well-established eating habits and an increased focus on health as they age, supporting their dietary consistency and attention to nutritious food choices.
Teenagers – the most unhealthy eaters
Teenagers, on the other hand, have the lowest diet quality of all age groups, with a score of just 5.9. Three out of four Dutch teens consume more than three large snacks per week, often supplemented with sugary drinks and highly processed snacks. Velema attributes these habits to the increasing influence of peer groups and the convenience of nearby supermarkets, where teens can buy snacks during school breaks. While they do consume some vegetables and whole grains, it’s not enough to counterbalance their high intake of sugary, low-nutrient foods.
The transition from primary to secondary school marks a critical point in young people’s eating habits. At this stage, children begin choosing their own meals more frequently, and without continuous parental oversight, they’re more likely to reach for readily available, less healthy options. Many nutrition experts argue that schools and communities need to play a larger role in reinforcing healthy choices to mitigate these tendencies.
The role of education and income
Income and education influence dietary habits in the Netherlands, with people in higher-income and better-educated groups generally tending to follow healthier diets. Research from CBS and the National Health Authority (RIVM) suggests that higher education often correlates with a better understanding of nutrition, which in turn supports healthier food choices. However, people in these groups also show higher levels of alcohol consumption, pointing to complex lifestyle factors that accompany increased income and education.
Despite these trends, a healthy diet is not exclusive to high-income households. Affordable nutritious food options are available across the Netherlands, making balanced diets accessible for lower-income families as well. Government initiatives aimed at keeping essential produce affordable help reduce nutritional disparities and support broader access to fresh, wholesome food across income levels.
Promoting a healthy future
Ultimately, while the Netherlands may be known for its commitment to public health and food accessibility, these findings suggest there’s more to be done to bridge dietary gaps across age groups. With targeted food education and affordable, nutritious options, the Netherlands could make balanced diets a standard for everyone, from toddlers to teenagers and beyond.
So, what would it take to bring every generation up to the healthiest eating standards? Perhaps it’s time for schools, communities and even workplaces to step up in supporting a healthier, better-informed future.
Written by Priyanka Sharma