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# Carbon-Neutral Restaurant Menus
Just Salad is Relabeling Its Sustainable Menu for Climate Week

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2020-06-17 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-menu
References: [livekindly.co](https://www.livekindly.co/just-salad-first-restaurant-chain-carbon-label-menu/) & [justsalad](https://www.justsalad.com/)

A growing number of food and beverage brands are beginning to label their products carbon-neutral and [Just Salad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-salad-veganuary-2024) is setting itself apart as the first United States restaurant chain to do the same for a more sustainable menu. For Climate Week, which kicks off in September, Just Salad will be labeling its entire menu with the aid of an NYU Stern School of Business MBA student team.

Last year, the chain removed grass-fed beef from its menu and replaced it with [Beyond Meat—which](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-cowboy-salad) emits 90% fewer greenhouse gases than animal-derived protein. By 2022, Just Salad plans to add [dairy-free cheese alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-lounge-x-klimon) to its menu, helping to address the fact that plant-based cheese has a lower carbon footprint.

Image Credit: Just Salad

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.2/10
- Popularity: 25% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Carbon-neutral Menu Labeling:** Using carbon-neutral labeling for menus to showcase sustainability efforts and attract environmentally-conscious consumers.
- **Plant-based Protein Substitutes:** Replacing animal-derived protein with plant-based alternatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer more sustainable menu options.
- **Dairy-free Cheese Alternatives:** Introducing dairy-free cheese alternatives to decrease the carbon footprint of menu items and cater to vegan and lactose-intolerant customers.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Restaurant Chains:** Restaurant chains can adopt carbon-neutral menu labeling and incorporate plant-based protein substitutes to meet the growing demand for sustainable dining options.
- **Food and Beverage Brands:** Food and beverage brands can develop and promote dairy-free cheese alternatives as part of their sustainability initiatives and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
- **Sustainable Agriculture:** The sustainable agriculture industry can collaborate with restaurants and provide innovative plant-based protein options to support the shift towards carbon-neutral menus.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Net-Zero Carbon Fast-Food Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netzero-restaurant.md)
- [Plant-Based Chicken Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-cowboy-salad.md)
- [Alternative Protein Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neat-burger-2.md)
- [Carbon-Neutral Drinkable Greens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/future-salad-kids.md)
- [Elevated Fast-Casual Entrees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-salad-market-plates.md)
- [Carbon-Neutral Drinkable Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/future-salad.md)
- [Limited-Edition Vegan Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-salad-veganuary-2024.md)
- [Climate-Friendly Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plizza.md)
- [Salad-Based Restaurant Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-salad-1.md)