SCIENCE
Analysis of the Provision of Plant‐Based, Vegetarian and Omnivorous Meals in UK Care Homes for Older People
11 October 2026 · Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact · Nutritional Studies and Diet · Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes
UK care homes offer few fully plant-based meals and rely heavily on red and processed meat, despite NHS dietary advice. Researchers scored 52 weekly menus covering 136 homes on an 80-point scale for plant-based, vegetarian and meat-free provision. The mean score was 28, ranging from 19 to 41. Every menu included red meat, while only two omitted processed meat. Baked beans, lentils and mycoprotein were the main plant proteins. Care homes have ample scope to serve more plant-protein meals.