Plant-based protein in hospitals: progress remains unclear

88% of hospitals have set a target to increase their share of plant-based protein. Only one in four publicly reports on progress. This makes it unclear whether the sector will meet its targets. These findings come from research by ProVeg Nederland for eiwitstand.nl.

ProVeg studied all Dutch hospitals using public sources, including sustainability reports. The organization also contacted hospitals by email to request updates and changes.

More plant-based protein in healthcare

The sector aims for 60% plant-based and 40% animal-based protein by 2030. The target applies to the protein consumed by staff and visitors. For patients, the goal applies where medically appropriate. Six hospitals, including Amphia ziekenhuis and Isala, aim for 80% plant-based protein by 2030.

A key driver is the Green Deal Duurzame Zorg 3.0. The interim target for staff and visitors is 50% plant-based and 50% animal-based protein by the end of 2026. Several hospitals have already achieved this ratio.

Applied research helps assess what is medically feasible in patient nutrition. This research takes the quality of protein sources into account. It also considers whether patients actually eat the meals.

Recipe changes

39% of hospitals publicly share information about specific measures. This does not mean that other hospitals are taking no action. For example, hospitals are updating menus and recipes to include more plant-based options. They also offer plant-based options at lower prices than animal-based options.

Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis uses plant-based alternatives as the default in several settings. It replaced cream in sauces, cooking cream, and mayonnaise in all dishes with plant-based alternatives. The hospital also made its soups largely plant-based.

Measuring with purchasing data

Freya Hiemstra of ProVeg Nederland calls for regular reporting on the ratio of plant-based to animal-based protein. ProVeg Nederland and the Green Protein Alliance developed a guide for this purpose. The RIVM commissioned the work. Using the Eiweet method, organizations can measure their protein ratios based on purchasing data.

ProVeg also studied twenty organizations providing elder care and care for people with disabilities. This sample is not representative of the entire long-term care sector. Nineteen organizations signed the Green Deal, with a target of 60% plant-based protein by 2030. Little information about their measures and progress is publicly available.

Proveg.org