Sodexo vows half of its college menus will soon be plant-based

Sodexo has upped its commitment to serving more plant-based cuisine on college campuses.

The foodservice provider is aiming for 50% of its college and university menus to be plant-based by 2025, a goal it plans to achieve through continued collaboration with the Humane Society of the U.S. 

More than 70% of Sodexo’s supply-based carbon footprint during its 2020 fiscal year tied back to its purchase of animal-based products, Sodexo said.

The company’s higher-ed division previously aimed for 42% of its menu items to be plant-based by 2025, a goal it announced last April. Its current menus are about 36% plant-based.

Sodexo defines plant-based items as those using only ingredients that come from plants, including produce and whole grains, as well as honey.

College campuses continue to lean into plant-based dishes as they seek to reduce their carbon footprints and satisfy Gen Z diners’ desire for climate-friendlier fare. Almost four in five Gen Zers eat plant-based meals every week, according to research from Sodexo competitor Chartwells.