New project reinvents the Mediterranean diet with science-backed recipes

A new research project is promoting the Mediterranean diet through innovation and healthier food choices. Led by the University of Extremadura, the MoreMedDiet initiative aims to develop nutritious recipes while studying how consumers select their meals. Funding comes from the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under the Horizon Europe programme. The project will create five new Mediterranean diet recipes by 2026. These will use locally sourced, pesticide-free plant-based ingredients and bioactive compounds. Advanced techniques, including low-processing methods and improved packaging, will help preserve nutritional quality and extend shelf life.

Detailed guides for 13 recipes from five countries have already been produced. Ten of these will undergo further refinement through co-creation workshops to boost their appeal. The final five recipes will be tested for market potential and health benefits before their official release. Beyond recipe development, the initiative seeks to understand what drives consumer food choices. By analysing behaviour, the team hopes to encourage wider adoption of the Mediterranean diet’s core principles.

The MoreMedDiet project will deliver five healthier, innovative recipes by 2026. These will combine traditional Mediterranean ingredients with modern techniques to enhance nutrition and shelf life. The findings on consumer behaviour could also shape future strategies for promoting balanced diets across the region.