Plant-Based as a Sustainable and Flavorful Option!
The world population is growing rapidly. In 2010, the earth had 7 billion people, and by 2050, this is expected to increase to 10 billion — a growth of over 40%. This growth puts enormous pressure on the global food supply. If we don’t change our eating habits, food production must increase by tens of percent. However, this is not feasible, as it pushes the limits of our planet.
Current meat production places a heavy burden on the environment. Only 3% of all water on earth is freshwater, and only a small portion of that is available for consumption. Research from the University of Twente shows that meat requires up to 20 times more water per calorie than plant-based alternatives. For example, producing one kilogram of beef requires 15,000 liters of water, whereas one kilogram of soybeans requires only 2,100 liters. In addition, a large portion of available agricultural land is used to produce animal feed, while that same land could yield crops that are directly consumable by humans.
By adjusting our eating habits, this problem can be tackled. Eating less meat and choosing plant-based alternatives is a highly impactful step. At Van Gelder, we take this responsibility seriously. We understand the challenges of our time and have invested heavily in the development of plant-based alternatives in recent years. One thing always remains central: taste. Our products are sustainable and flavorful, so you can enjoy them responsibly.
The Best Quality Alternatives from Our Own Production
Developing good plant-based alternatives involves more than just replacing meat. Taste, composition, and nutritional value are just as important. We noticed that many existing meat substitutes on the market did not meet expectations. The taste was often lacking, and they frequently contained unnecessary additives or high salt content. We wanted to do things differently. Our alternatives had to be sustainable for the planet, but also healthy for you.
That's why we got to work ourselves. In our own production kitchen, we tested, experimented, and redesigned endlessly until we had a product that met all our standards. The result? A unique dough made from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes, and herbs. This combination offers countless possibilities. Just like a butcher or baker creates different products from their dough, we produce fresh meat substitutes daily with delicious taste and excellent nutritional values. Many of our products are also high in protein, making them a complete alternative.
This is how Van Gelder guarantees the highest quality plant-based fish and meat substitutes. By keeping production entirely in-house, we maintain full control over composition, flavor, and nutritional values. From veggie burgers and Wellingtons to pulled plant-beef and vegan tikka masala – there's something for everyone.
Curious about the possibilities?
Part of our assortment can be found in the freezer, or try one of our plant-based dishes in the Experience Center. Or discover our full range in our business or consumer webshop via the buttons below!