Arla's 'Plate of the Nation' flags UK nutrition gap crisis

Arla Foods called on the food industry and government to help close what it termed Britain's "nutrition gap," citing new research from its 'Plate of the Nation' report that shows millions of people are failing to get essential nutrients despite rising awareness of healthy eating.

The dairy cooperative's study found that a significant portion of the UK population is not meeting recommended intakes for key vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, iron, and iodine. The report frames this as a systemic challenge that cannot be solved by consumer education alone, arguing that food manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers must work together to reformulate products and improve access to nutrient-dense foods.

Arla specifically pointed to the role of dairy in addressing the gap, noting that milk, cheese, and yogurt are among the most affordable sources of calcium and iodine in the UK diet. The company said that without coordinated action, the gap could widen as consumers shift toward plant-based alternatives that are not always fortified to match dairy's nutritional profile.