How much meat can you eat without harming the Earth? Scientists have given a precise answer

A team of scientists from the Technical University of Denmark has calculated: you can eat meat without harming the environment. But you'll have to watch the weight of... portions.

Read more: Caroline H. Gebara et al, Diets can be consistent with planetary limits and health targets at the individual level, Nature Food(2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-025-01133-y

A study published in Nature Food found that you can eat up to 255 grams of meat per week - and that's just poultry or pork. That's about two chicken breasts. Beef and lamb, on the other hand, are all bad: even small amounts of red meat are "overloading" the planet.

🌍 What are "planetary limits"?

These are the conventional limits within which the Earth can withstand human impact: CO₂ emissions, water consumption, land use, etc. Scientists have analysed over 100,000 dietary choices and compared them to these limits.

The conclusion is that if we want the planet to have a chance to recover, we need to change what we eat, not just on a national scale, but also on an individual level.

🥚 Can we or can't we?

Yes! The key is balance. Research shows that:

• 🌱 vegan, vegetarian and pescetarian diets are the most "eco-friendly";

• 🧀 cheese, eggs and fish are acceptable in reasonable amounts;

• 🍗 white meat (chicken, turkey) - up to 255g/week;

• 🚫 red meat - minimise or eliminate altogether.

As study author Carolina H. Gebara emphasises:

"It's not an either/or. A sustainable diet can be flexible. What's important is that the overall diet remains balanced and sensible."

🛒 What does this look like in the shop?

Often in supermarkets, a pack of two chicken fillets is about 300g. So if you eat the whole thing, you've already exceeded your weekly limit. But you can divide it into portions or alternate with vegetable dishes. This way you'll keep your health and support the ecosystem.

Less doesn't mean bad. It means conscious. Scientists have proven: healthy and climate-smart eating is not a utopia, but a real choice. With two fillets a week, you can live a tasty life - and on schedule.