The Food Service Industry Protein Sustainability Scorecard

Our food system is an impressive yet highly exploitative machine, one that pollutes our planet just as much as it sustains us. Global food production accounts for 20%–37% of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions, and animal products, such as meat, eggs and dairy, account for most of those emissions. They require markedly more resources, including land, water and feed, and cause more water, soil and air pollution during production. When we start to look at the big picture, we see just how large an impact even one meal has. Because of this, our country’s appetite for plant-based foods is growing larger by the day; in most high-income countries, shifting to more plant-based foods promotes better health and significantly lowers your environmental impact compared to the average meat-based diet.

While corporate sustainability policies often focus on initiatives such as composting and buying local, companies stand to have the biggest impact in reducing their carbon footprint by reducing their reliance on animal ingredients through a variety of plant-forward strategies. For the fourth year in a row, Humane World for Animals (formerly called the Humane Society of the United States) is launching its Food Service Industry Protein Sustainability Scorecard, a report that spotlights the largest food service management companies in the country and reveals their tangible progress (or lack thereof) toward implementing healthier, more sustainable animal-friendly menus. By prioritizing these efforts, companies will not only reduce their environmental impact and improve the health of their consumers but also solidify themselves as socially responsible leaders in the industry.

The 2025 results are in

The following companies are ranked from best to worst. To see a detailed analysis of each company and to learn more about the Scorecard process, view the full report [PDF].

A shift toward plant-based foods is the most impactful way food companies can reduce their carbon footprint, prevent deforestation, minimize demand for water and land resources, improve food security and preserve natural habitats. There is an abundance of scientific findings that show replacing animal-sourced meats with plant-sourced foods provides more GHG savings than using lower-carbon animal meats.

Overall, food service companies that prioritize plant-based foods are not only making a positive impact on the environment but also addressing important health and ethical considerations—all important to consumers. By offering a wider range of plant-based meals and reducing their reliance on animal protein, these companies are demonstrating social responsibility and leading the industry.

Read or Download the Full Scorecard Report

• View the 2024 Report
• View the 2023 Report
• View the 2022 Report