Are healthy diets also sustainable? Experimental study using a Fake Food Buffet

Can eating healthy and eating sustainably really be one and the same? This episode of Here Science dives into a unique study where participants built meals at a realistic buffet—once for health, once for sustainability, and once as their ordinary choice. You’ll hear how habits, culture, and even educated guesses shape what ends up on our plates, and why healthy and sustainable eating don’t always overlap as much as we think. We discuss regional food traditions, the powerful effect of stereotypes about “good” foods, and how tricky it can be to put knowledge into action—especially when it comes to swapping animal proteins for plant based options. This isn’t just about individual choices; it’s about how we design cafeterias, shape food policy, and reimagine what “good food” means worldwide. Tune in to find out why a sustainable future won’t happen by accident, and what it really takes to create meals that work for both people and the planet.