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International Sustainable Food Barometer

Through our Sustainable Food Barometer study, we’re identifying obstacles and levers to encourage changes in eating habits and accelerate the shift toward more sustainable diets.

Download the report

Uncovering Global Sustainable Eating Attitudes and Gaps Between Intentions and Behaviors

In a world grappling with the environmental impact of its food systems, the call for sustainable practices is more urgent than ever. As the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences, we developed the International Sustainable Food Barometer, in collaboration with Harris Interactive. This report amplifies the voices of respondents across different geographies and cultures, shedding light on their understanding of sustainable food and deciphering potential gaps between perceptions, intentions, and behaviors.

Reported attitudes and perceptions of sustainable eating by US citizens showed regional attitudes and levers that can help motivate our country toward a more sustainable way of eating.

Learn more about US-specific insights in our press release.

You can also read our 2023 Sustainability and CSR Report to learn about our ongoing sustainability journey and progress.

Sustainable Food Barometer Results

CONDUCTED IN

2023

PEOPLE WERE SURVEYED IN BRAZIL, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE U.S.

5000

AMERICANS EXPRESSED AN URGENT NEED TO ADOPT MORE SUSTAINABLE EATING HABITS

72%

EMPLOYEES SEEK TO EAT MORE SUSTAINABLY AT WORK

49%

STUDENTS SEEK TO EAT MORE SUSTAINABLY ON CAMPUS

69%

U.S. RESPONDENTS WHO EXPRESSED A POSITIVE PERCEPTION OF SUSTAINABLE FOOD

66%

“At Sodexo, we are committed to leading the way to a more sustainable future for people and the planet, and this barometer provides valuable data toward achieving our ambitious goals.”
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Sarosh Mistry, CEO, Sodexo North America 

Sustainable Food Barometer - Download the U.S. Report

As we navigate the complex landscape of sustainable eating, our Sustainable Food Barometer serves as a compass, guiding stakeholders toward a future where nourishing our bodies aligns seamlessly with nourishing the planet.

A few interesting takeaways from the report:

  • The awareness of the urgent need to change eating habits is not only well-established, but also positively perceived.
  • There is a gap between aspirations and actual behaviors.
  • Personal benefits of sustainable food, such as better health, are more motivating than collective benefits.
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Supporting Sustainable Eating at Work and on Campus

The Sustainable Food Barometer revealed that 69% of students seek to eat more sustainably at schools and universities, and 49% of employees seek to eat more sustainably at work or at a company cafe. This presents an opportunity for Sodexo in the U.S. to influence individuals to eat more sustainably. With 30% of our Sodexo Campus’ menus already plant-based, we are on our way to reaching our goal of 50% by 2025.

  • 1 in 2 Americans

    Consider prioritizing sustainable foods over saving money

  • 2 out of 3 Americans

    Are willing to pay more to eat more sustainably

    Price > Taste

    The Sustainable Food Barometer revealed a gap between aspirations and actual behavior when buying food. Currently, Americans prioritize the price of food over the taste.

    This gap offers a unique opportunity for Sodexo to support the shift toward sustainable diets, aligning with our commitment to corporate and social responsibility.

    Reducing Food Waste

    According to the Sustainable Food Barometer, 6 out of 10 U.S. citizens say they are already reducing food waste, with half declaring they buy local produce when they can. At Sodexo, we have an aggressive target to cut food waste: 50% reduction at 85% of our U.S. sites by 2025. We are committed to this goal through increasing food donations, community partnerships and technology, like our WasteWatch Powered by Leanpath program that tracks and measures kitchen food waste.

    72%

    of Americans expressed the need to adopt sustainable eating

    Our ambition is to be the world leader in sustainable food. We are committed to influencing people’s food choices towards a more balanced and sustainable diet. We have been committed to and continue to stay focused on ways to provide exceptional and delicious sustainable eating options for our consumers.

    Learn more about our commitments:
    • Travelers Want Sustainable Food. Here’s How They’re Getting It

      Forbes

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

      Food Dive

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

      VegNews

      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

    Perspectives

    • Decoding Sustainable Eating in the U.S.

    • Empowering Students to Embrace Sustainable Eating

    • Reducing Waste in Senior Living Communities

    Let's Build a Better Tomorrow Together

    Ready to make a real difference? Contact us today to explore how our services and commitments align with your goals for sustainability, community support, and environmental care. Together, we can create impactful solutions tailored to your needs.

    Get in touch