For Nutritionists

Nutritionists are recognised if you:

1. Hold bachelor degrees in nutrition and healthcare science.

For Dietitians:

Dietitians are recognised as senior healthcare professionals and it is mandatory to take the national exam for dietitians to practise in Taiwan.  

Dietitian qualifications achieved overseas are not recognised in Taiwan. Holders of any overseas nutrition and dietetics degree will need to take the national exam to practise in Taiwan. An individual who does not pass the exam can only refer to themselves as a nutritionist.

As per the website of the Taiwan Dietitian Association, the requirements for practising as a dietitian in Taiwan are: 

1. Hold a bachelor degree in nutrition and dietetics that is recognised by the Taiwanese government, 

and;

2. Pass the national exam for dietitians.

Once you pass the exam, you are eligible to take up dietitian roles in clinical, public health or food service settings; or in other scientific fields. However, you will still need to register with the Taiwan Dietitian Association if you choose to practice with the title “qualified dietitian”.

Joining  a country's professional association(s) is a good way to gain a better understanding of how things operate, as well as to build connections.

The membership requirements, and the benefits of joining are summarised below:

Last date guideline was reviewed/updated: 

• 10/2018

Date accessed:

• 02/2023

Language: 

• Infographic available in Traditional Chinese and English

Key evidence that influence recommendations:

• WHO recommendations

• National Nutrition and Health Survey and epidemiology research 

Are there modified versions for certain major cultural groups?

• Yes (elderly). The shape and proportions are the same, but the presentation is a bit different, where real food pictures are used instead of cartoons.

Guiding Principles:

• Choose a variety of food from the 6 food groups.

• Choose multigrain/wholegrain rather than refined cereal. ⅓ of daily grain sources should be multi or wholegrain.

• Limit the intake of high fat protein and include at least one teaspoon of seeds and nuts as oil source to prevent vitamin E deficiency.

• A glass of milk twice a day.

• Drink more water than sugary drinks.

• At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.

The following information can also be found in the dietary guidelines:

• Free sugar and salt consumption

• Saturated fat consumption

• Processed foods

• Reduced fat options for dairy 

• Fibre consumption

• BMI/weight recommendations/range

• Physical activity

• Rice bowl (300ml) for “grains”, “fruits”, “vegetables” food groups

• “Grain and starchy vegetable” food group: 1 bowl =

  • Cooked rice, 1 bowl

  • Cooked noodles or congee, 2 bowls

  • Bread, 2 slices

  • Sweet potatoes, 2 small-sized pieces

  • Potatoes, 2 medium-sized pieces

• “Vegetables” food group: 1 serving =

  • 100g raw vegetable

  • 1 or ⅔ bowl of cooked vegetables, depending on the shrinking percentage pre and after cooking

• “Fruits” food group: 1 serving =

  • Diced fruits, ¾ - 1 bowl

  • 70g banana

  • 45g durian

• “Protein foods” food group: 1 serving =

  • Egg, 1 piece

  • 30g of chicken breast or 35 g of lean red meat, white fish or 50-80g of seafood without shell

  • 20g soybean or 50 edamame or 140g of silk tofu or 1 cup (240ml) of non sugar soymilk

• “Dairy” food group: 1 serving =

  • Milk, 1 cup (240ml)

  • Cheese, 2 slices

  • 210g yoghurt

• “Oil, nuts and seeds” food group: 1 serving =

  • 1 teaspoon (5g) cooking oil or 2 teaspoons (10g) of salad dressing

  • 7g walnuts, 10g sesame or cashew or 13g of peanuts

  • Avocados are classified as a source of oil

  • It is stated in the dietary guideline to include 1 serving of nuts and seeds in daily diet to prevent vitamin E deficiency

Modified Versions for Subpopulation Groups at Different Ages, Life Stages or Conditions

• Vegetarian dietary guideline for all age groups

• Healthy eating for pregnancy and lactating

• Diet for menopause

• Children obesity prevention

• Adult obesity prevention

• Diabetes guideline

• Metabolic syndrome prevention

• Hypertension prevention

• Chronic kidney disease prevention

• Osteoporosis prevention

• Iodine guideline to prevent iodine deficiency

Food Safety and Legislation

• Food legislations and relevant laws 

Other Resources

• Taiwan Beverage Alcohol Forum