Plant-Forward in 2025: The Key to Health in the Workplace

We all have moments when we're inspired to prioritize our health. But let's be honest: maintaining new habits can be challenging. What if eating healthy in the workplace is easy, and, dare we say it, fun? When healthy, delicious and sustainable choices are readily available during your workday, good habits simply become a natural part of your routine.  

Our take on healthy eating is less about restriction and more about discovering a world of delicious possibilities. In fact, researchers have found that eating a diverse range of plant-based foods — including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, herbs and spices — contributes to a richer and more diverse gut microbiome, leading to better overall health, including improved digestion and brain function. Employees are just as eager to embrace this way of eating. As a leader in corporate food services, we follow the EAT-Lancet guidelines, creating a menu philosophy that makes it easy for employees to make choices that benefit both their well-being and our planet. 

But what does "plant-forward" really mean in practice? It's not about eliminating entire food groups or following rigid rules but celebrating the incredible variety and flavors that plant-based ingredients bring to our plates. We’ve mastered the art of creating dishes in which vegetables, legumes and whole grains take center stage, complemented by smaller portions of animal proteins. This might mean a bowl of crispy fried green curry eggs with Brussels sprouts slaw dressed in a sesame vinaigrette for lunch. Or, for a midday snack, how about a citrus parfait with matcha and coconut chia seed pudding topped with hibiscus, courtesy of Brooke Williamson, our culinary ambassador. Our chefs source ingredients locally whenever possible, reducing your carbon footprint while supporting regional farmers and keeping seasonality top of mind. And these ingredients are energy and mood boosters, too, so employees can tackle whatever project comes their way.

By choosing plant-forward meals, our clients and their employees become part of a larger movement toward environmental sustainability. According to the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems, shifting to more plant-based diets could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% by 2050.

Modern Recipe takes this cause to heart: Every meal we serve is an opportunity to support both personal wellness and planetary health. Whether it's introducing someone to the wonderful world of ancient grains, showing how mushrooms can create incredibly satisfying meat-free dishes (like our delectable Asian BBQ mushroom quiche!) or demonstrating that salads can be both filling and crave-worthy, we're changing perceptions one plate at a time. 

The future of food is sustainable, delicious and within reach. With plant-forward dining gaining momentum and popularity, we're helping create workplaces where wellness is the easy choice year-round.  

Learn more about Modern Recipe’s plant-forward approach in the workplace!