Findings from Sodexo UK & Ireland's second annual Sustainable Food Barometer suggest growing demand from British consumers for nutritious, sustainable meals that protect the planet without compromising on taste or affordability.
The foodservice and facility services provider believes the public increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable food supply chains presents a significant opportunity for caterers and foodservice providers, manufacturers and retailers to take the lead in making sustainable eating both accessible and appealing.
Takeaways from the Research
Consumers still value sustainable food, despite challenges
What does this mean? In a time when food prices are high and social responsibility matters, UK consumers feel a mix of emotions about sustainable food.
They’re mostly positive but still have some doubts.
It’s crucial that foodservice providers, manufacturers, and retailers show them that sustainable food is healthy, good for the planet.
Without greater uptake from consumers, meeting net-zero targets will be a challenge.
Price, taste and health are deal-breakers for most consumers
This is true of 49% of respondents who are ‘Committed’ to sustainable food and 74% of the ‘Undecideds’.
Three-quarters of those identified as ‘Distant’ are not willing to consume a sustainable product if it is less tasty than a regular product. -item
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- The price barrier is also significant.
While 63% of those in the ‘Committed’ group are willing to choose a sustainable product even if it is more expensive, this drops significantly to just 36% of the ‘Undecided’ and 33% of ‘Distant’ consumers. -item
What does this mean? UK consumers care about sustainability, but only if it aligns with their expectations for price, taste, and nutrition.
Offering nutritious, sustainable food not only meets these demands but also supports healthier lifestyles and a greener planet.
Foodservice providers, manufacturers and retailers must offer sustainable meals that are delicious, nutritious, and comparably priced to traditional options to drive meaningful change.
We are committed to making sustainable eating the easy choice.
Food service providers play a big role in driving change
In 2024, Sodexo pledged 70 per cent of main dishes available at its sites across the UK and Ireland would be classified as 'low-carbon' with a target carbon footprint of just 0.9 kg CO2e by 2030 - well below today's average of 2-2.5 kg CO2e. Additionally, Sodexo has committed to cutting food waste by 50% by 2025.
In November 2024, Sodexo UK & Ireland chef Adam Collison showcased Sodexo's commitment to sustainability by winning the 2024 Sodexo Cook for Change! global competition. His plant-based dish impressed fellow chefs, including Michelin-starred chefs, demonstrating how sustainable food can balance taste, creativity, and environmental responsibility.
Charles Abraham, food director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, comments: “This research gives us valuable insight into what consumers really want when it comes to sustainable food.
They care about the planet but don’t want to compromise on price, taste, or nutrition—and nor should they have to.
"We are committed to making sustainable eating the easy choice.
We’re committed to serving 70% low-carbon meals by 2030 and cutting our food waste in half by August 2025.
To make a difference, we ensure our sustainable meals are affordable, tasty, and accessible for everyone.”
In 2024, Sodexo pledged 70 per cent of main dishes available at its sites across the UK and Ireland would be classified as 'low-carbon' with a target carbon footprint of just 0.9 kg CO2e by 2030 - well below today’s average of 2–2.5 kg CO2e.
Additionally, Sodexo has committed to cutting food waste by 50% by 2025.
In November 2024, Sodexo UK & Ireland chef Adam Collison showcased Sodexo’s commitment to sustainability by winning the 2024 Sodexo Cook for Change! global competition.
His plant-based dish impressed fellow chefs, including Michelin-starred chefs, demonstrating how sustainable food can balance taste, creativity, and environmental responsibility.
