This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national nutrition policy actions in Estonia. Compare Estonia with other European countries in our NOURISHING policy index.
> Read the NOURISHING snapshot for Estonia in English or Estonian
Estonia implements nutrition and diet-related policy actions at national government level in 7 out of the 10 policy areas of the NOURISHING framework. A single policy area received a good assessment, which refers to increasing public awareness of healthy eating through communication campaigns and social marketing (I2). Estonia should focus on improving the other 9 policy areas which either received a fair or moderate assessment, or where no policy actions were identified.
Despite the fair assessment, nutrition label standards and regulations (N1) refer only to EU regulations; more needs to be done at a national level. Gaps were identified in policy actions on nutrition standards in schools and the immediate vicinity (O) (including limits on the provision of sugar-sweetened beverages), which impacted otherwise well-designed standards for food served in schools. Further, policy actions to tackle marketing unhealthy foods to young people were only implemented for marketing in/around schools and through product placement. Broadcast advertising is only targeted by industry self-regulation (R).
Particular attention should be given to policy areas where no action has been taken at national government level, including limits or removal of specific nutrients in food products (I1), actions to ensure coherence between food systems and health, such as food procurement policies (H), and initiatives to improve the retail environment (S). Action should also be taken to strengthen nutrition education (G), nutrition counselling in healthcare (N2), and economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives (U).
Download a full analysis and breakdown of Estonia’s results (pdf, English)
This country snapshot presents detailed results of the NOURISHING policy index for Estonia. Full index results are outlined in the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf), which compares Estonia with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.
The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the NOURISHING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from Estonia, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our NOURISHING database.
We also have snapshots of physical activity policies in 30 European countries. Visit the Estonia page or see all the country snapshots.
The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.
Fill in our feedback form or email the team policy@wcrf.org
