Six Nations Revive the Mediterranean Diet With Science-Backed Healthy Recipes

Six Mediterranean countries have joined forces to promote healthier eating through the MoreMedDiet project. Funded by the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), the initiative brings together universities and research centres from Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Turkey. Their goal is to develop and share innovative recipes based on the well-known health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

The project focuses on creating five new Mediterranean diet recipes using locally sourced, pesticide-free ingredients. These will incorporate bioactive compounds and low-processing techniques to preserve nutritional value. Advanced packaging methods will also help extend shelf life while reducing environmental harm.

Researchers will study consumer behaviour to understand preferences and barriers to adopting these foods. Alongside this, ten recipe designs will emerge from co-creation workshops involving different age groups. The aim is to make the dishes more appealing and easier to follow.

So far, the team has already produced detailed guides for 13 selected Mediterranean recipes from five participating countries. By 2026, the project plans to unveil its five healthiest and most innovative recipes, reinforcing the diet's reputation for long-term wellness.

The MoreMedDiet project will introduce new ways to prepare traditional Mediterranean foods. With input from consumers and sustainable production methods, the recipes aim to make healthy eating more accessible. The final results are expected to be shared across the region by 2026.