Lidl Amplifies Commitment to Plant-Based, Health-Conscious, and Environmentally-Friendly Food Products through New Labeling Strategy
Lidl GB Launches New "Live Well" Label Aligning with Planetary Health Diet
Lidl GB has taken a significant step towards promoting a healthier and more sustainable diet by introducing a new private-label product line called Live Well. This initiative is part of Lidl's commitment to align its offerings with the Planetary Health Diet by 2050.
The Live Well label is based on evidence-based nutrition and sustainability benchmarks, aiming to provide customers with healthier and environmentally friendly choices. The products under this label will make up 100 of Lidl's own-label offerings, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins.
According to the Planetary Health Diet, dairy products, meat, and seafood should only constitute 3.6% of one's diet each. In line with this, the Live Well label encourages consumers to increase their intake of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins. More than half of one's diet should consist of these food groups, with more than a third coming from whole grains, plant proteins, and plant oils.
To meet the nutritional requirements, vegan alternatives to animal products must contain a plant protein ingredient, while meat alternatives need to be fortified with iron and vitamin B12. Rice products, on the other hand, must contain at least one whole-grain, plant-based protein, or vegetable ingredient.
Products bearing the Live Well logo must also meet criteria tailored to their category's nutritional profile and not be high in fat, salt, or sugar. If they contain palm oil, the fat must be certified to the RSPO Segregated standard. Fresh fruits and vegetables must meet agriculture sustainability standards such as LEAF certification, organic, RSPCA Assured, or be Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance certified.
In addition to nutritional considerations, the Live Well label also prioritizes sustainability. All Live Well products must come in 100% recyclable packaging (where technically feasible and safe), and their suppliers must commit to setting climate targets by the end of 2026.
Lidl GB has also committed to reporting its progress against the Live Well goal annually. Following the Planetary Health Diet could lower global emissions by between 17% and 29% and reduce the risk of premature death by 30%.
The Live Well logo is encased in a green-coloured bean, emphasizing experts' call to "make beans more appetizing". The UK government has been urged to update its Eatwell Guide in line with the Planetary Health Diet. Lidl GB has a UK-specific commitment to have 25% of its meat and seafood sales sourced from plants by the end of the decade.
The launch of the Live Well label is a significant step towards promoting a healthier and more sustainable diet. By making it easier for customers to make informed choices, Lidl is helping to contribute to a healthier planet and population.
