Peasant woman harvesting vegetables

International Sustainable Food Barometer

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Driving Change in Sustainable Eating Habits 

Last year, Sodexo launched the International Sustainable Food Barometer in collaboration with Toluna Harris Interactive.

As a key player in the foodservice industry that is dedicated to responsible growth, Sodexo has a front-row seat to the evolving behaviors, expectations and aspirations surrounding sustainable eating.

The adoption of sustainable food practices has never been more pressing. This annual Barometer is designed to uncover what levers drive change in consumer eating habits around the world, as well as any potential barriers that may stand in the way. 

Sodexo aims to positively influence consumer choices by offering delicious, chef-inspired, plant-based recipes and to inspire its entire ecosystem to propel this transformation forward. 

vegetables waste

Reducing Food Waste: The #1 Motivator for Sustainable Eating in the US

Sodexo is driving the shift to sustainable food with actionable initiatives across its value chain, from farm to table. One key action is reducing food waste.  

 

In the International Sustainable Food Barometer, 50% of respondents said that reducing food waste was a key benefit to eating sustainably, and US respondents stated it is the #1 most important benefit. Other benefits cited in the study were environmental impact (51%) and improving health (47%)

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What Is Sustainable Food? 

Eating sustainably is about choosing foods and adopting habits that support the health of the planet, your own well-being and your community. 

 

Despite the myth that eating sustainably requires giving up meat entirely—the findings reinforced that balance is key. In fact, even among the most committed sustainable eating consumers, meat consumption remains common. While 51% of those interviewed still consumed meat a few times a week, 86% of those who did not adopt a fully plant-based diet had also reduced their red meat intake. 

Sustainable Food Generates Enthusiasm 

74% of consumers have a positive or very positive perception of sustainable food globally. In the US, 66% share this enthusiasm in sustainable eating, despite price remaining a key factor when choosing food products.

Top view of person cutting vegetables on a wooden board

The Benefits of Sustainable Foods According to Respondents 

Download the Sustainable Food Barometer - 2nd Edition 

As a global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences, we recognize our role and responsibility in shaping dietary choices that contribute to a balanced and sustainable future.

This executive summary shows how sustainable eating is perceived around the globe and presents data collected from five countries: the USA, Brazil, the United Kingdom, India, and France. 

sustainable food barometer front page report
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Sodexo Partners with Clients to Reduce Food Waste 

Nearly 77% of Sodexo sites worldwide have implemented WasteWatch*, a food waste reduction initiative. This program has led to an average reduction of 40.7% in food waste globally.

 

At Cox Enterprises headquarters in the United States, Sodexo partnered with the organization to reduce waste by 92%, an effort recognized by Zero Waste Business by Zero Waste USA.

 

* coverage based on raw material cost.

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healthy dishes with green food

Driving Consumer Choices Towards Sustainable Diets 

Our goal is to positively influence consumer choices by offering innovative plant-based recipes and engaging our employees, suppliers and partners in a future where sustainable food becomes the norm.

 

The report highlights how consumers continue to prioritize sustainable foods and expect foodservice providers to take an active role in helping their consumers transition to more sustainable diets.

 

Explore these key insights and more.

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  • Travelers Want Sustainable Food. Here’s How They’re Getting It

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    Travelers Want Sustainable Food. Here’s How They’re Getting It
  • Americans Feel an Urgency to Eat More Sustainable Food

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    Americans Feel an Urgency to Eat More Sustainable Food
  • Americans are Willing to Pay More for Sustainable Food Choices

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    Americans are Willing to Pay More for Sustainable Food Choices

Forbes

Travelers Want Sustainable Food. Here’s How They’re Getting It
Americans Feel an Urgency to Eat More Sustainable Food
Americans are Willing to Pay More for Sustainable Food Choices

Sustainable Food Insights 

  • Rebalancing Your Plate: 5 Simple Steps to Eating Sustainably

    A colorful salad with black beans, sweet potatoes, red onions, green peppers, cilantro, and pumpkin seeds, displayed on a dark cloth napkin over a rustic wooden table.
  • How the Foodservice Industry Is Driving the Sustainable Food Transition

    Image of a chef in a white jacket and black apron pouring oil into a frying pan in a busy kitchen with fresh ingredients.
  • Empowering Students to Embrace Sustainable Eating

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Read More About Sodexo’s Commitment to Sustainability