Mapping Eastern European dietary patterns (2010–2022) using FAOSTAT: implications for public health and sustainable food systems

Abstract

Background: Dietary patterns in Eastern Europe are unevenly characterized despite their relevance for public health, food policy, and the sustainability of regional food systems. Objective: This study aimed to identify and compare the main dietary patterns across Eastern European countries (2010–2022) using FAOSTAT food balance data, and to examine their implications for public health and sustainable food systems. Methods: We conducted a comparative ecological analysis of FAOSTAT Food Balance Sheets for ten Eastern European countries (2010–2022). Multi-annual means were standardized as Z-scores. We applied principal component analysis (PCA) to major food groups and to selected subgroups (cereals, meat, vegetable oils), followed by agglomerative hierarchical clustering (Ward, Euclidean). EFSA macronutrient ranges and fiber cut-offs were used solely as descriptive benchmarks. Results: The PCA of major food groups identified two dominant axes separating plant-based patterns (cereals, vegetables) from animal/lipid-centered diets; subgroup analyses reproduced these oppositions (e.g., sunflower vs. rapeseed oils). Hierarchical clustering revealed a stable Central–Eastern core with higher lipid profiles (Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, partially Poland) and a second pattern with higher carbohydrates and energy (Romania, Ukraine; proximity of Moldova, Belarus, Russian Federation). Countries differed markedly in fiber and energy: Romania showed the highest energy intake, while Slovakia had the lowest fiber, and Ukraine combined very high carbohydrates with low lipids. These structures were robust to sensitivity checks and consistent across biplots, heatmaps, and dendrograms. Conclusions: Eastern Europe comprises coherent dietary subgroups rather than a homogeneous profile. Beyond their public health relevance, these typologies provide an operational map for tailoring dietary guidelines, strengthening food security, and supporting the transition toward sustainable food systems. Future work should link food availability data with individual consumption, environmental indicators, and resilience metrics to inform long-term strategies for sustainable and equitable nutrition.