The Mediterranean Diet (MedD) is widely recognized as a health-promoting and sustainable dietary pattern. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of higher education institutes (HEI) menus via water footprint and the compliance with MedD in Croatia, Portugal and Turkey.

Water footprint calculation followed the methodology of Mekonnen and Hoekstra (2012). Adherence to the Med-Diet was evaluated using the Med-Diet Compliance Index (MeDCIn). All available options were considered, except for restrictions such as vegetarian, considering a 5-day/week and 1-meal/day menu. Menus spanning a two-week period were analyzed from two distinct HEI in each country.

Mean water footprints varied across three countries (1213.9-2297.4 L/person). Turkish HEI 1 (2297.4 L/person) and 2 (1934.2 L/person) exhibited the highest water footprints, while Croatian HEI 2 (1213.9 L/person) and Portugal HEI 2 (1308.6 L/person) had the lowest. MedDiet index scores ranged from 0.50 to 5.50. Portugal University 1 (5.5) and 2 (4.5) scored the highest, whereas Croatia University 1 (0.5) scored the lowest.

In the preliminary results, Portugal presented a lower water footprint and higher MedD adherence, possibly due to the higher use of seafood. The higher water footprint in Turkey might be due to more balanced servings of vegetables and fruits and significant portions of red meat. The low MedD compliance scores in Croatia can be attributed to insufficient fresh fruits, whole grains and pulses, and the low water footprint related to the use of ready-made desserts and soup powders not included in the water footprint database.