Pea burger, salmon fillet and falafel have one thing in common: proteins. They are vital for our bodies, taste great and are nutritious. But not all proteins are the same. The kind of protein we choose to serve and eat can either have a positive impact on the planet – or place a heavy burden on the environment. METRO is committed to offering ‘conscious proteins’.
Without them, nothing is possible: Proteins contain the building materials needed for our bodies. They are made up of amino acids – our body needs 20 of these but cannot produce 9 of them itself. But proteins are not only important for our health (see info box). When grown or farmed the right way proteins can have a positive impact on the planet. However, many of our industrially produced foods, especially animal products, require many resources to rear, harvest and process them and can lead, for example, to water pollution or deforestation and produce high greenhouse gas emissions. Animal husbandry that is not appropriate, for example chickens squeezed into closed sheds, can have consequences such as the rapid spread of disease which requires more antibiotics to treat them. That in turn can lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria. This is one reason why more and more consumers pay attention to what food they eat and where it comes from. This is where the conscious consumption of proteins becomes increasingly important.
METRO is committed to offering a diverse range of sustainable proteins and in doing so, to contribute to the responsible use of natural resources. Diversity and balance in protein use also impacts positively on biodiversity of the animal and plant species we source. METRO therefore pays attention to a diversified protein range, both in assortment and stores, as well as with customers in their restaurants and stores. In all cases, the welfare of human beings who produce the foods is also crucial.
„Plant-based food revolution“ also in the Deep Dive Gastro Podcast.
There are three groups of food containing protein that can be conscious. The first are animal proteins which are defined as products from animals that have a good standard of living - for example, that they are provided with high-quality feed, have plenty of space and exercise, medication such as antibiotics are used responsibly and there is no overbreeding. The second group are vegetable proteins which include pulses such as beans, chickpeas, lentils and soya, as well as seeds, nuts and kernels and minimally processed ingredients such as tofu, and seitan. The production of such proteins is done in a way that does not harm the environment for example they are not grown on deforested land, water is used responsibly, and pesticides use is limited. The third group are alternative proteins which include those that are not commonly eaten everywhere for example algae or insects, or those that are completely new for example cell cultivated fish and meat or extracted ingredients like pea protein.
Photo: MAKRO Portugal
Including more whole plant-based foods is a great way to diversify the way we eat in any case. A diverse range of foods which include sustainable plant and animal proteins, and which is appropriate to the respective culture, is METRO’s aim. This includes offering alternative proteins such as plant-based meat alternatives in different markets, both in own brand products and with external partners such as start-ups. Through the innovation hub NX Food, METRO is keeping abreast of developments in alternatives such as insect based ‘burgers’, plant-based fish alternatives, and even looking at cell cultured meat. By working actively on a balanced assortment and keeping up and defining future protein food trends, METRO contributes to a balanced use of proteins – from production to the plate.