Plant-based products consist of foods or beverages made primarily or entirely from plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and other plant-derived ingredients, rather than from animal sources. They contain protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Next-generation plant-based foods go further, recreating the taste, texture, and nutrition of meat and dairy—without the environmental cost.

Adopting more plant-based food in global diets could cut environmental harm. It means less land and water used, fewer greenhouse gases released, and cleaner rivers and seas. This shift is more than a personal choice—it’s a chance for people everywhere to shrink their environmental footprint while supporting a healthier planet, unlocking space for rewilding, restoring ecosystems, and pushing us closer to a stable climate future.

The nutritional profile of plant-based products has several advantages! Plant-based products are lower in calories and saturated fat, free from cholesterol, a good source of fibre, and associated with positive health outcomes. It provides good-quality protein, though some may lack one or more essential amino acids. Combining different sources (e.g., beans + grains) ensures complete protein intake.

If the Commission’s proposal on plant-based labeling were approved, companies would be given a transition period to adjust packaging, marketing, and supply chains. For food labelling rules, this period is typically 18 to 24 months, though it can be shorter (6–12 months) for minor label changes or longer if significant adjustments are required. During this time, businesses can continue selling existing stock while preparing to comply with the new rules.

As demand for plant-based foods grows, farmers can diversify their crops—such as soy, peas, lentils, oats, and almonds—to produce plant-based proteins, dairy alternatives, and oils, which can increase their revenue streams. Additionally, growing crops for direct human consumption is more efficient and helps save water, land, and energy.

The European Commission is advancing a comprehensive Protein Strategy aimed at enhancing EU food security, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The strategy emphasizes increasing the production of plant-based proteins—such as legumes, pulses, and oilseeds—within the EU. This approach helps reduce reliance on imported feed, particularly soybeans, which currently make up 96% of the EU’s high-protein animal feed imports.