SaladStop Targets 60% Plant Protein
SaladStop pledges to source at least 60% of its protein from plants globally. This supports its goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
SaladStop Group has pledged to source at least 60% of its protein from plant-based ingredients globally. The Singapore-headquartered fast-casual chain announced this new protein diversification policy as a step toward its net-zero by 2030 target.
The commitment applies to over 80 stores across Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong. These locations collectively serve more than five million customers annually.
CEO Adrien Desbaillets stated the goal reinforces the company's philosophy. "We are reinforcing that philosophy with our protein diversification policy goal of sourcing at least 60% of our protein from healthy plant-based sources across our shops and operations globally," he said.
The Drive for Protein Diversification
The company, founded in 2009, already uses many plant-based foods. Its menus feature legumes, nuts, seeds, seitan, whole grains, leafy greens, and mushrooms. The new pledge is described as an "additional measurable step" to lower the carbon intensity of its food.
According to the source report, livestock farming is a major emitter. It accounts for up to a fifth of global emissions and 80% of farmland. Some suggest it is the leading driver of climate change when using updated metrics.
Research cited in the source indicates significant environmental benefits from dietary shifts. A 2023 paper suggested such diets can reduce emissions, water pollution, and land use by 75% compared to meat-rich diets. A separate 2025 study found vegan diets cut carbon emissions by 46%, water use by 7%, and land use by 33%.
Asia presents a critical market for this shift. The region's food system feeds half the world and produces nearly half of all agrifood emissions. Research suggests alternative proteins would need to make up 50% of Asia-Pacific’s protein supply by 2060 for regional decarbonisation.
Consumer adoption faces hurdles. In 2024, only 14% of Asia-Pacific consumers frequently ate meat-free food, a decrease of at least five points from 2023. High prices and inferior flavour of meat alternatives were the top complaints, cited by 40% and 37% of respondents respectively.
Despite this, interest remains high. The source states people in the region are among the most interested in eating more plant-based food. Vietnam leads globally, with over 90% expressing a growing appetite for meat-free options. This was also true for nearly 85% of Indonesians and over 75% of Thai respondents.
An Industry Benchmark
SaladStop, which became a B Corp in 2023, operates under an "Eating Wide Awake" motto. The company seeks sustainable partners and views plant proteins as sources of essential nutrients, fibre, and phytochemicals, not just protein.
Plant-based proteins feature across its portfolio of brands: Heybo, Wooshi, Smoosha, FreshKitchen, and SaladStop itself. The chain has previously partnered with Beyond Meat, offering its patty in a Beyond Me bowl.
Marielle Lagulay of the Lever Foundation, which supported the commitment's development, called it an "industry-leading example." She said, "In formalising a goal of sourcing at least 60% of its protein from plants, the group has established a clear and meaningful benchmark that we hope other food service companies will follow."
