In a recent report released by World Animal Protection, it was found that the top 25 restaurant chains in the US are failing to embrace plant-based options by default. The report, titled „Moving the Menu 2024,“ evaluated popular chains across five categories: burgers, chicken, sandwich, coffee/beverage, and Latin/Mexican-inspired. The findings revealed a concerning lack of plant-based options and a lack of meaningful commitments to address the environmental impact of their menus.
The scorecard emphasized the importance of offering plant-based options as a primary choice without requiring modification. This shift is crucial for protecting animals, the planet, and public health. Annette Manusevich, Farming Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection, highlighted the urgency of transitioning to more plant-based diets and the growing consumer demand for ethical and environmentally friendly food choices.
While some chains like Burger King, Peet’s, and Chipotle have made progress by introducing plant-based menu items, there is still much work to be done. The current mass production and consumption of meat in the Standard American Diet result in animal suffering, environmental degradation, and public health risks. World Animal Protection is calling for restaurants to adopt ambitious meat reduction targets and incorporate innovative plant-based proteins to mitigate these impacts.
Options like fermentation protein and cell-cultivated protein offer exciting opportunities to reimagine fast food menus and make positive changes for communities. By signing up for World Animal Protection’s new toolkit, individuals can advocate for plant-based by default menus at their favorite chains.
World Animal Protection is a global organization dedicated to ending factory farming and wildlife exploitation. With offices in almost 50 countries and UN Consultative Status, they work to expose cruel systems, promote animal-friendly alternatives, and influence policy change. For over 70 years, World Animal Protection has been advocating for animals in farming and those exploited for entertainment, as pets, and in fashion.
In conclusion, the report highlights the need for restaurant chains to prioritize plant-based options and make meaningful commitments to address the environmental impact of their menus. By embracing plant-based by default options, chains can play a crucial role in shifting towards a more sustainable food system that benefits animals, the planet, and public health.
