Why are the Dutch eating so many meat substitutes?
17 April 2025
Image from Naima Kiss
Meet the companies driving the protein transition in Amsterdam
Updated 7 January 2026 at 15:14
The Dutch capital, known for its diverse food cultures and upcoming food scene, is at the forefront of a significant movement: the protein transition. This transition represents a shift towards more sustainable and plant-based eating, driven by a desire to address the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability.
Amsterdam-based companies pushing the protein transition
Transforming our relationship with food sits at the heart of the protein transition, driven by individuals and companies reimagining how we produce, consume and value what we eat. In Amsterdam, this shift is reinforced by both policy and practice. The city has set a clear ambition for residents to consume a diet that is 60% plant-based by 2030 and has recently become one of the first cities globally to sign the Plant-Based Treaty, underlining its commitment to healthier, lower-impact food systems. Here is a list of local trailblazers:
Nom Nom Nom - delivers fresh, healthy meals through smart vending machines, offering convenient, additive-free options that support more sustainable eating habits.
Peasmakers - are vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, packed with protein, and you guessed it, made from peas. A tasty plant-based alternative.
Yemayá's - celebrated for its vegan soul food, Yemayá's taps into existing food cultures to create flavorful plant-based dishes.
Max & Bien - makes artisanal, plant-based cheeses in Amsterdam, offering flavorful alternatives that support the protein transition.
Karma Kebab - locally produced, super sustainable and super tasty kebab based on celeriac.
Goodoo (formerly IJsbaart) - on a mission to inspire better choices, they make ice cream without the cows, skipping the additives and other nonsense, just plant-based creamy ice cream in surprising flavours.
SNACKS WITH BENEFITS - 100% plant-based, made from locally sourced veg, less waste, more taste - think funghi snacks, corn ribs and cauliflower bites on the main menu.
Choux - known for its innovative approach to vegetable preparation, Choux continually explores new ways to elevate plant-based cuisine.
Image from Choux
Wheat Pray Love - specialising in seitan rendangs based on Indonesian family recipes, Wheat Pray Love showcases the culinary diversity of plant-based cuisine.
Gro Together - grows oyster mushrooms on recycled coffee grounds and turns them into a range of plant‑based products, from burgers and bitterballen to croquettes and snacks.
Farmless - a pioneering tech start-up, Farmless is revolutionising fermentation processes to create versatile plant-based proteins.
The Dutch Weed Burger - creates 100% plant-based burgers using sustainably grown Dutch seaweed, offering low-impact, protein-rich alternatives to meat.
ON!ST - is on a mission to disrupt the pet food industry. They are focusing on restoring biodiversity by being 100% plant-based and using native and fresh ingredients.
Cradle.bio - uses AI to design and optimise proteins for food and agriculture, supporting faster, sustainable bio-based innovation.
BrouwBrood - circular food reuse startup transforming brewery by-products into bread.
SAINT-JEAN - renowned for its tasty plant-based patisserie, SAINT-JEAN proves that plant-based doesn't mean compromising on taste.
Image from Saint Jean
Tuintje van Adam – from nursery to kitchen, these urban-farmed mushrooms are sustainably grown locally in Amsterdam.
Margo's Amsterdam - 100% plant-based, organic, fairtrade and homemade sandwiches, bakes & specialty coffee in the heart of the Jordaan district.
Favamole - is a bold, creamy fava‑bean dip made from Dutch-grown beans. Partnering with regenerative farmers, it offers a short, low‑impact supply chain and zero air miles for sustainable, standout menus.
Be Better My Friend - creates plant-based sauces and condiments that combine flavour with sustainability, offering lower-impact alternatives to traditional products for everyday meals.
Lazy Meals - offers ready-to-eat, plant-based meals designed for convenience and sustainability, providing lower-impact food options for busy lifestyles.
Growy - urban vertical farming for fresh greens produced locally with agri-tech.
Mayoneur - makes 100% plant-based mayonnaises, offering a sustainable, vegan alternative to traditional mayo.
The Seaweed Company - building sustainable food solutions from seaweed, like signature seaweed croquettes.
