Nine food brands embrace vegetarian choices

Nine leading brands have made a decisive move to make their recipes predominantly vegetarian or vegan. This shift marks a significant change in how food producers approach the Dutch consumer, signaling a step closer to a more sustainable and healthier future.

The brands embracing this change include Conimex, Fairtrade Original, Jumbo, Knorr, Koh Tai, Patak’s, and Plus. Responding to a request from the animal welfare organization Wakker Dier, these companies have committed to ensuring that half of their recipes are vegetarian or vegan. Grand’Italia and Lassie are at the forefront, already having fully adapted their recipes. "These brands inspire consumers and show that it's not necessary to cook with meat every day," says Collin Molenaar of Wakker Dier.

Varied approaches

Albert Heijn and Maggi are also modifying their recipes, although they are not going as far as the previously mentioned brands. They plan to add plant-based options to their recipes, while still keeping meat and fish in half of their offerings. Notably, Honig is the only well-known brand that has not promised any changes.

Impact on health and environment

The move towards more plant-based recipes also has health implications. Excessive consumption of red and processed meats is linked with increased risks of various diseases. The Health Council states that a quarter of the recipes with red meat recommend larger portions than what is considered healthy. This also applies to 60% of recipes with processed meats.

The Health Council emphasizes the importance of a diet comprising 60% plant-based proteins. Currently, the Dutch diet is on average 40% plant-based. The council urges companies to facilitate plant-based eating.

The bigger picture

Wakker Dier's research analyzed 657 recipes on product packaging, ranging from meal mixes to rice packs. This move towards more vegetarian recipes could significantly influence consumer choices and the food industry in the Netherlands. Hundreds of these recipes will soon offer vegetarian alternatives, contributing to a more sustainable and healthier future.

Wakkerdier.nl