See which companies topped the Humane Society's latest Protein Sustainability Scorecard

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has released its annual Protein Sustainability Scorecard, and ISS Guckenheimer once again topped the list.

The scorecard ranks foodservice companies’ efforts in offering climate-friendly, plant-based food. To create the ranking, HSUS conducted a survey, focusing on transparency, goals and a plan of action, according to the scorecard.

This year, the HSUS also asked companies to share menu and purchasing data to verify what was reported.

If a company did not complete the survey, HSUS completed the survey for them using publicly available information. After the companies submitted their responses, HSUS then offered private feedback with recommendations to increase their scores.

Here’s a look at the five companies topped the list this year.

1. ISS Guckenheimer

ISS Guckenheimer topped the Protein Sustainability Scorecard for the second year in a row, earning a score of 405 and an A grade. The company currently offers an average of 41-45% plant-based menu offerings and is working to increase that to 55% by 2025. In addition, it developed a toolkit called PowerPlant to help reach a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. 

The foodservice provider hired a culinary trainer, who is co-developing an entire curriculum on sustainability, and is  working with HSUS on a virtual culinary workshop, which is helping the company pilot at least four new plant-based options each week for five weeks.

2. HHS

HHS followed closely behind, with a score of 400 and an A grade. Currently, the company offers about 31% to 35% plant-based menu offerings. It has a goal of moving retail menus to 50% meatless or plant-based by 2025 and reducing its total amount of animal proteins purchased by 10% by the end of 2024.

The foodservice provider teamed up with HSUS to develop a sustainable plant-based menu program as a part of HHS’ Global Bowls Menu. In addition, the company has launched a Meatless Monday program at all HHS facilities across the U.S. HSUS noted that both programs were a success and the company saw skyrocketing sales for the plant-based items.

3. Fresh Ideas Food Service Management

Coming in at No. 3 with a score of 380 and an A grade is Fresh Ideas. The foodservice provider currently offers about 21% to 25% plant-based menu offerings and is looking to increase that to 50% by 2025. In addition, the company has a goal to cut its total amount of animal proteins purchased by 5% by the end of 2025.

Fresh Ideas' Mindful Fork concept helped it land such a high score. The concept is a chef-driven initiative that includes 90 plant-based menu items. Fresh Ideas increased its Mindful Fork offerings by nearly 15% in 2022, according to the Protein Sustainability Scorecard.

4. Metz Culinary Management

Metz also earned a score of 380 and an A grade. The foodservice provider currently offers an average of 26% to 30% plant-based menu offerings, and it wants to serve 50% or more by 2025.

The company has also teamed up with HSUS on virtual culinary workshops, where it developed 10 plant-based breakfast recipes for Niagara University. Those recipes are currently in Metz's recipe database.   

Metz is also tracking data to measure meat reduction efforts and is actively replacing meat-based dishes with meatless and plant-based ones.

5. Sodexo USA

Sodexo comes in at No. 5 with a score of 380 and an A grade. Currently, the company offers 21% to 25% plant-based menu offerings and is committed to offering 33% plant-based menu offerings by 2025. In addition, Sodexo’s college and university segment recently committed to serving 50% plant-based menu offerings by 2025.

The scorecard noted that Sodexo’s sustainability and CSR data is compiled, audited and reported annually, and includes an assessment of emissions related to supply chain purchases. Sodexo has also teamed up with the HSUS on a culinary training program to help its higher-ed segment increase plant-based menu offerings. Over 175 Sodexo schools have participated in the program.