Nature Food

nature.comFood emissions taxes can deliver health and environmental benefits with limited leakage - Nature FoodConsumer preferences continue to favour emission-intense foods such as meat and dairy. A scenario analysis explores the social cost of carbon taxation design for balancing emissions and health outcome...

15h

Article: Consumer preferences continue to favour emission-intense foods such as meat and dairy. A scenario analysis explores the social cost of carbon taxation design for balancing emissions and health outcomes, with low leakage risk. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

October issue: Global vulnerability of small-scale fisheries, power representation in food systems, taxing food emissions... and more! www.nature.com/natfood/volu...

nature.comDiversified food fortification portfolios can enhance coverage of micronutrient-vulnerable populations in West Africa - Nature FoodWhile staple food fortification is a recognized strategy for addressing micronutrient inadequacy, there is limited localized evidence on whether currently fortified foods, as well as candidate staples...

There is limited evidence on whether currently fortified foods, as well as candidate staples, reach at-risk populations. This study finds that wheat flour and edible oil have limited coverage, whereas rice, millet and sorghum show greater potential across West Africa. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comFood social security as a new proposal to reshape the food system - Nature FoodA bold proposal to re-embed food systems under democratic control, and within planetary boundaries, uses a long tradition of social security in francophone Europe. Beginning as a grassroots initiative...

Comment: A bold proposal to re-embed food systems under democratic control, and within planetary boundaries, uses a long tradition of social security in francophone Europe. Food social security and the right to food have since made parliamentary advances. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comLoss of salt iodization harmed child survival and academic achievement in Ethiopia - Nature FoodThis study examines the effects of early-life iodine deficiency on health and educational outcomes following the war-induced disruption of Ethiopia’s salt iodization programme in the late 1990s. Using...

Article: This study examines the effects of early-life iodine deficiency on health and educational outcomes following the war-induced disruption of Ethiopia’s salt iodization programme in the late 1990s. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comPower representation in food systems - Nature FoodSystems modelling and power mapping illuminate different dimensions of power in food systems but are rarely used to interrogate one another. This Comment proposes recursive representational revision, ...

Comment: This Comment proposes recursive representational revision, a methodological approach that organizes iterative engagement between systems modelling and power mapping so that each becomes a resource for revising assumptions about power embedded in the other. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comEngagement in food system-related controversies can strengthen science–policy–society interfaces - Nature FoodStrong disagreements among stakeholders are common at the intersection of agriculture, food, health and the environment. By engaging constructively in these controversies through transdisciplinary app...

Perspective: Strong disagreements among stakeholders are common at the intersection of agriculture, food, health and the environment. By engaging constructively in these controversies, scientists can better support sustainable food system transformation. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comAn integrative framework for early estimation of global crop yields demonstrated under large-scale disruptions - Nature FoodTimely crop-yield estimates are essential for anticipating food-supply risks and informing crop trade policies. This study presents a framework that integrates yield statistics, multi-source remote-se...

Article: This study presents a framework that integrates yield statistics, multi-source remote-sensing and complementary geospatial data and random forest models to estimate major crop yields across global production countries. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comEmerging biofuel crop frontiers risk repeating old land injustices - Nature FoodPast biofuel expansions reveal that when industrial-scale investment outpaces land governance, independent scrutiny and community participation, low-carbon crop transitions can reproduce land concentr...

Comment: A close examination of an emerging biofuel frontier in Brazil shows why land rights, public accountability and equitable benefit-sharing must guide crop-based decarbonization from the outset. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comGlobal patterns and feasible improvement potential of phosphorus use efficiency in cereal croplands - Nature FoodLow phosphorus use efficiency limits crop production while accelerating the depletion of finite phosphorus resources and environmental pollution. Using a machine learning framework that incorporates f...

Article: Using a machine learning framework that incorporates feasibility constraints, this study maps global phosphorus use efficiency for major cereal crops and identifies region-specific opportunities and priorities for improving phosphorus sustainability. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comInterrupted salt iodization harmed child health and education in Ethiopia - Nature FoodEthiopia’s iodized salt supply was cut off in May 1998, limiting intake to the iodine levels in local foods. We found a significant drop in child survival and academic achievement, especially in rural...

Research Briefing: Ethiopia’s iodized salt supply was cut off in May 1998, limiting intake to the iodine levels in local foods. A significant drop in child survival and academic achievement was observed, especially in rural districts. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comSystematic review of nutrient profile models for front-of-pack nutrition labelling - Nature FoodNutrient profile models (NPMs) underpin front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL), which can help consumers to make healthier food choices. This systematic review identifies and characterizes existing...

Review Article: Nutrient profile models (NPMs) underpin front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL), which can help consumers to make healthier food choices. This systematic review identifies and characterizes existing NPMs for FOPNL systems globally. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comRemote sensing, fairness and institutional capacity in European agricultural governance - Nature FoodInstitutional and structural barriers limit the effective use of remote sensing in European Union agricultural governance, constraining its potential to enable fair, resilient and environmentally soun...

Comment: Institutional and structural barriers limit the effective use of remote sensing in European Union agricultural governance. The Comment outlines financial, academic and policy reforms to address these barriers. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comA systematic review of the climatic impacts, diverse adaptation pathways and multiple adaptation barriers for inland aquaculture - Nature FoodInland aquaculture faces varied climate impacts. This systematic review identifies 53 adaptation options and 17 barriers, highlighting the need for tailored strategies, policy coherence, better inform...

Analysis: Inland aquaculture faces varied climate impacts. This systematic review identifies 53 adaptation options and 17 barriers, highlighting the need for tailored strategies, policy coherence, better information sharing and increased financial investment. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comLarge nutritional and environmental improvements can be achieved across the product portfolios of major UK food and beverage manufacturers - Nature FoodFood and beverage manufacturers have the potential to contribute to the transition towards a more nutritious and sustainable food system. By analysing products sold by 44 major food and beverage manuf...

Article: By analysing products sold by 44 major food and beverage manufacturers in the UK, this study identifies how, and to what extent, changes to product portfolios could improve the healthiness of food products while reducing their environmental impact. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comConsiderations for maximizing the effectiveness of debt-for-food swaps - Nature FoodDebt-for-food swaps have been presented as instruments that can simultaneously mobilize additional resources for food security and alleviate debt distress in countries with heavy debt burdens. A recen...

Comment: A recently announced large-scale swap deal between Kenya and the US International Development Finance Corporation provides an opportunity to assess the potential of debt-for-food swaps and to identify key considerations for maximizing their effectiveness. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comThe attainable potential of agricultural solutions - Nature FoodAs the range of agricultural technological solutions expands, questions emerge about how to assess their technical potential under differing local conditions and what that means for food security.

Editorial: As the range of agricultural technological solutions expands, questions emerge about how to assess their technical potential under differing local conditions and what that means for food security. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

September issue: Food social security, the impact of UK food manufacturers, debt-for-food swaps, adaptation barriers for inland aquaculture...and more! www.nature.com/natfood/volu...

nature.comHigh-resolution carbon and biodiversity mapping shows correlated losses across space and agricultural products - Nature FoodFood systems substantially impact carbon storage and biodiversity, with food consumption driving four-fifths of losses on agricultural land, particularly through animal-sourced foods. Targeted interve...

17 Sept

Article: Food systems impact carbon storage and biodiversity, with food consumption driving four-fifths of losses on agricultural land. Targeted interventions in high-impact regions and products offer opportunities for integrated climate and biodiversity policies. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comThe beneficial relation between soil organic carbon and maize yield in field trials does not translate to real-world farms in Northeast China - Nature FoodSoil organic carbon (SOC) is widely recognized for its potential to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to climate mitigation, yet its benefits in real-world farming contexts remain uncer...

Article: This study reveals that while increased soil organic carbon significantly boosts maize yields in controlled field trials, it has negligible effects on actual farm yields in Northeast China. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comFood systems literacy in Indigenous health and nutrition - Nature FoodIndigenous and traditional knowledge can help to address climate, biodiversity and nutrition challenges, yet medicalized top-down approaches prevail. This systematic review explores how food systems l...

Review Article: This systematic review explores how food systems literacy through culturally grounded, participatory work with local communities can support more sustainable, equitable and healthy food systems. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comSeafood consumption could help fill nutrition gaps in Brazil - Nature FoodBrazil’s seafood consumption remains low despite its rich marine biodiversity. The study suggests that better use of seafood could help address nutritional gaps, in combination with improved fisheries...

Article: Brazil’s seafood consumption remains low despite its rich marine biodiversity. The study suggests that better use of seafood could help address nutritional gaps, in combination with improved fisheries governance and sustainable seafood policies. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comFood systems performance evaluated against targets and benchmarks reveals urgent gaps and a path to 2050 - Nature FoodThis study identifies targets and proposes benchmarks for 44 indicators from the Food Systems Countdown Initiative. The analysis reveals what is required for their achievement at national and global l...

Analysis: This study identifies targets and proposes benchmarks for 44 indicators from the Food Systems Countdown Initiative. The analysis reveals what is required for their achievement at national and global levels by 2030 and 2050. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comResponsible use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for food security early warning systems - Nature FoodArtificial intelligence and machine learning are already enhancing food security early warning systems by improving data collection, event monitoring and forecasting. However, to avoid costly errors, ...

2 Sept

Comment: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already enhancing food security early warning systems. However, to avoid costly errors, they should be applied selectively alongside expert oversight, robust governance and transparent practices. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comFood waste recycling in the USA can reduce climate and nutrient pollution impacts yet risks plastic accumulation in soils - Nature FoodLife cycle assessment and mass balance modelling reveal trade-offs in diverting US food waste from landfills to composting and anaerobic digestion. Although climate impacts and nutrient loading would ...

31 Aug

Article: Life cycle assessment and mass balance modelling reveal trade-offs in diverting US food waste from landfills to composting and anaerobic digestion. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comAdaptive policies balancing trade, productivity and cropland increases can support Zambia’s nutrition security under future climate shocks - Nature FoodSub-Saharan Africa’s food systems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Using the integrated Future Estimator for Emissions and Diets (iFEED) framework, Zambian nutrition security and policy ...

28 Aug

Brief Communication: Using the integrated Future Estimator for Emissions and Diets (iFEED) framework, Zambian nutrition security and policy options are explored under average and extreme climate scenarios. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

26 Aug

Editorial: If food systems transformation is to deliver on its promises, the metrics must be as systemic as the challenge itself. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

August issue: Sustainable food systems transformation, Zambia's nutrition security, plastic pollution and food waste... and more! www.nature.com/natfood/volu...

nature.comArtificial intelligence for food innovation - Nature FoodArtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how new foods are designed, produced and experienced. While AI has the potential to link molecular composition to functional and sensory performance and ac...

18 Aug

Review Article: Artificial intelligence is transforming how new foods are designed, produced and experienced and has the potential to accelerate food innovation. However, challenges related to data quality, transparency and governance should be addressed. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comOil crop supply chains drive rising global biodiversity loss and outsource impacts to the tropics - Nature FoodSpatial assessments reveal that oil crop expansion, particularly in tropical regions, threaten global biodiversity. Hotspots of production and consumption are identified, showing that consumption-side...

17 Aug

Article: Spatial assessments reveal that oil crop expansion threaten global biodiversity. Hotspots of production and consumption are identified, showing that consumption-side interventions can aid in developing strategies to reduce biodiversity impacts. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comA cognitive perspective for climate-smart agricultural policy in the Indo-Pacific region - Nature FoodClimate-smart agriculture policy is failing because it ignores the stakeholder cognition that drives political decisions. Cognitive mapping can make these worldviews explicit, creating a powerful tool...

14 Aug

Comment: Climate-smart agriculture policy is failing because it ignores the stakeholder cognition that drives political decisions. Cognitive mapping can make these worldviews explicit, creating a powerful tool for negotiation and more context-sensitive policy. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comIntegrated policies could raise China’s soybean self-sufficiency and ease global land-use pressure - Nature FoodSoybeans are central to global food security, but rising demand for animal-sourced foods has made China highly dependent on imports, creating environmental spillover through deforestation and land-use...

13 Aug

Article: Based on reconstructed soybean demand from 1961 to 2022, this study shows that combined policy implementation could raise China’s soybean self-sufficiency to 80% by 2050 while reducing global cropland expansion and supporting nutrition and climate benefits. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comSustainable diet shifts among adults in Scotland do not cost more - Nature FoodReducing consumption of meat and dairy foods is essential for the long-term sustainability of the UK food system. A study quantifying the impact on environmental footprints, nutrient intake, health an...

11 Aug

Research Briefing: A study quantifying the impact on environmental footprints, nutrient intake, health and cost when meat and dairy are reduced or replaced in the diets of adults in Scotland shows that these dietary changes incur no extra cost for most replacements. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comLand degradation is associated with larger crop yield gaps across global croplands - Nature FoodLand degradation is widely recognized as a threat to food security. Using high-resolution global data on multiple land degradation indicators and crop yield gaps, the study shows that greater historic...

10 Aug

Article: Using high-resolution global data on multiple land degradation indicators and crop yield gaps, the study shows that greater historical land degradation is associated with larger yield gaps in major food-producing regions. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comGlobal dietary estimates for conducting health, environmental and economic impact assessments - Nature FoodThe Global Dietary Database for Impact Assessments provides information on what people eat across countries and demographic groups by integrating data on food availability, consumption and waste, as w...

7 Aug

Resource: The Global Dietary Database for Impact Assessments provides information on what people eat across countries and demographic groups and supports analyses of the impacts of diets on health, environmental and economic outcomes. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comYouth lead current dietary emissions while seniors increasingly drive total emission growth - Nature FoodAnalysis of age-specific dietary emissions in 149 countries shows that adolescents and young adults have the highest per capita emissions, while population aging, particularly in higher-income regions...

6 Aug

Article: Analysis of age-specific dietary emissions in 149 countries shows that adolescents and young adults have the highest per capita emissions, while population aging, particularly in higher-income regions, corresponds to growth in total emissions. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comAn agroecological perspective on systems-level transformations to keep current food systems from degrading the global commons - Nature FoodFood systems face numerous challenges such as biodiversity loss and undernourishment. This Perspective presents a systems-thinking approach rooted in agroecology that can guide transformative changes ...

4 Aug

Perspective: Food systems face numerous challenges such as biodiversity loss and undernourishment. This Perspective presents a systems-thinking approach rooted in agroecology that can guide transformative changes for the benefit of both people and the planet. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comDietary environmental impacts and quality differ by socio-demographic characteristics - Nature FoodDietary intake and supply chain data from 165 countries reveal demographic disparities in diet-related environmental impacts. Impacts are greatest among young, highly educated urban men, and healthier...

3 Aug

Article: Dietary intake and supply chain data from 165 countries reveal demographic disparities in diet-related environmental impacts and show that impacts are greatest among young, highly educated urban men. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comNature Food - Socio-demographic trends in diet-related environmental impactsThe environmental and health impacts of diets vary by socio-demographic group, population trends and diet composition. Per-capita environmental impacts tend...

31 July

Comment: Smart Systems Breeding integrates farmer networks, environmental monitoring and modelling to accelerate breeding for locally adapted intercropping, crop mixtures and agroforestry that supports sustainable agriculture. www.nature.com/natfood/volu...

nature.comReduced meat and dairy consumption improves health, environmental and most nutritional outcomes without increasing diet costs among Scottish adults - Nature FoodUsing microsimulation of Scottish Health Survey adults, this study compares 33 pathways for achieving the UK Climate Change Committee meat and dairy reduction targets. Most pathways improved nutrient ...

29 July

Article: Using microsimulation of Scottish Health Survey adults, this study compares 33 pathways for achieving the UK Climate Change Committee meat and dairy reduction targets. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comDietary footprints across populations - Nature FoodDiets affect both human and planetary health. Recent research reveals how dietary footprints vary across demographic groups and offers new data and methods for future studies.

28 July

Editorial: Diets affect both human and planetary health. Recent research reveals how dietary footprints vary across demographic groups and offers new data and methods for future studies. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

27 July

July issue: Impact of diets across sociodemographic groups, biodiversity costs of oil crops, AI for sustainable food futures... and more! www.nature.com/natfood/volu...

nature.comAgri-environmental policies have reduced cropland degradation globally - Nature FoodEvidence on the effectiveness of national policies against cropland degradation is limited. Using global satellite data from 2001 to 2019, this study addresses this gap and reveals which country chara...

21 July

Article: Using global satellite data from 2001 to 2019, this study addresses the effectiveness of national policies against cropland degradation and reveals which country characteristics are associated with distinct policy success levels. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comPeople without clean drinking water face increased food insecurity and food safety threats - Nature FoodAcross 121 countries, survey respondents without clean drinking water were more likely to report lacking food and experiencing threats to food safety. This pattern was consistent across all country‑in...

20 July

Research Briefing: Across 121 countries, survey respondents without clean drinking water were more likely to report lacking food and experiencing threats to food safety. Food insecurity and food safety should be addressed through coordinated efforts. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comLimited net-export capacity undermines the Netherlands’ ‘feeding the world’ narrative - Nature FoodThe Netherlands is one of the world’s top trading countries and the second largest exporter of agricultural goods. Using an agroecological food system model, this study examines the feasibility of thi...

17 July

Article: The Netherlands is one of the world’s top trading countries and the second largest exporter of agricultural goods. Using an agroecological food system model, this study examines the feasibility of this position. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comReframing halal for global consumers - Nature FoodSaudi Arabia is seeking to reposition halal from a label focused on religious permissibility to a broader trust mark that explicitly encompasses food safety, quality and nutrition. This matters becaus...

16 July

Comment: Saudi Arabia is seeking to reposition halal from a label focused on religious permissibility to safety, quality and nutrition. This matters because halal markets are expanding globally and still reduced in public discourse to slaughter practices. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comPolicy synergies outweigh trade-offs for NH3 and N2O co-control in China - Nature FoodTargeted strategies to simultaneously reduce NH3 and N2O emissions in agriculture are urgently needed. By combining high-resolution emissions inventories with policy scenario analysis, this study eval...

15 July

Article: By combining high-resolution emissions inventories with policy scenario analysis, this study evaluates China’s national policies for abating Nr emissions and synergies between NH3 and N2O abatements. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comUltraprocessed food research and scientific discourse - Nature FoodUltraprocessed food research faces several methodological limitations that warrant careful scientific examination rather than rhetorical dismissal. Advancing research quality and fostering open dialog...

14 July

Perspective: Ultraprocessed food research faces several methodological limitations that warrant careful scientific examination rather than rhetorical dismissal. Advancing research quality and fostering open dialogue remain essential, alongside public health action. www.nature.com/articles/s43...

nature.comGlobal reallocation of rainfed crops can boost production and reduce climate risk - Nature FoodSpatial optimization can reduce production risk and improve output without expanding land or irrigation, but meeting future demand will require a combined strategy of global crop redistribution, yield...

13 July

Article: Spatial optimization can reduce production risk and improve output without expanding land or irrigation, but meeting future demand will require a combined strategy of global crop redistribution, yield-gap closure and stronger trade cooperation. www.nature.com/articles/s43...