To revise the food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland and assess the affordability of healthy eating.

An iterative process was used to develop 4 d food intake patterns (n 22) until average intakes met a range of nutrient and energy goals (at moderate and sedentary activity levels) that represented the variable nutritional requirements of all in the population aged 5 years and older. Dietary guidelines were formulated describing the amounts and types of foods that made up these intake patterns. Foods required for healthy eating by typical households in Ireland were priced and affordability assessed as a proportion of relevant weekly social welfare allowances.

Government agency/community.

General population aged 5+ years.

Food patterns developed achieved energy and nutrient goals with the exception of dietary fibre (inadequate for adults with energy requirements <9·2 MJ) and vitamin D (inadequate for everyone). A new food group to guide on fats/oils intake was developed. Servings within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group were sub-categorized on the basis of energy content. Recommendations on numbers of servings from each food group were developed to guide on energy and nutrient requirements. Healthy eating is least affordable for families with children who are dependent on social welfare.

Daily supplementation with vitamin D is recommended. Wholemeal breads and cereals are recommended as the best source of energy and fibre. Low-fat dairy products and reduced-fat unsaturated spreads are prioritized to achieve saturated fat and energy goals. Interventions are required to ensure that healthy eating is affordable.