Why Plant-Based Dining Gets an A+ at Top Universities Around the World

Universities and students around the world are embracing plant-based foods for the planet. In the US, the University of Colorado Boulder—which offers a menu that’s more than 50 percent plant-based in its cafeterias—was recently named by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as the best university in the country for plant-based food and sustainability.

The university took the top spot in HSUS’ 2025 College and University Protein Sustainability Scorecard, which was based on surveys sent out to schools across the country. The survey asked institutions about several factors, including their use of plant-based ingredients, any plant-based initiatives on campus, and goals for plant-based foods in the future. The schools were asked to provide proof to back up their responses, which were self-reported.

The HSUS report stated that the University of Colorado Boulder “demonstrates unparalleled creativity and commitment with its menu options, environmental initiatives, professional development, and student marketing.”

Vanessa Nunes

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The University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and the University of Arizona were also named in the scorecard’s top five. Alongside the University of Colorado Boulder, they each received an A+ score.

Research suggests that reducing meat consumption is vital for mitigating the climate crisis, which is already leading to major extreme weather events all over the world. Take the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, for example. Experts have confirmed that the hot, dry weather that helped the fires spread was made more likely by climate change. 

“Animal products, such as meat and dairy, have a much larger environmental footprint compared to plant-based foods,” reads the HSUS report. “They require markedly more resources, including land, water, and feed, and they cause more water, soil, and air pollution during production.”

In 2022, one study from the University of Bonn in Germany recommended that wealthy countries cut their meat consumption by 75 percent to fight the climate crisis. 

Meat isn’t just harmful to the planet, research also suggests that it can be harmful to human health. Red meat and processed meats are both linked with an increased risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Plant-based whole foods, on the other hand, are dense in nutrients and linked with a reduced risk of diseases (read more on that here).

Eliah Golden—chef and associate director for residential dining and culinary operations at the University of Colorado Boulder—said the university was “honored to be recognized” for its “delicious, nutritious, and sustainable food options,” adding that they help students “fuel their academic success and create lifelong habits that contribute to healthy bodies and healthy minds.”

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UK leading universities’ move towards plant-based menus

In the UK, university students also want to move towards more climate-friendly menus. 

In 2021, the animal activist organization Animal Rising launched the Plant-Based Universities campaign, designed to help with the transition away from animal foods in education institutions. Since then, it has supported students at 11 UK universities, including Cambridge University and University College London, to win votes in favor of a fully plant-based catering transition.

Most recently, in February 2025, leading Russell Group universities Imperial College London and the University of Bristol both voted to move towards a plant-based catering model. 

“We are overjoyed to see our fellow students join calls for Imperial to show that it takes the climate crisis seriously and begin the move toward cheap, nutritious, and delicious plant-based menus,” said Hollie Meyers, a 4th-year medical student at Imperial College London in a statement. 

“Animal farming and fishing are wrecking the planet and the lives of millions across the globe and now is the time to take a definitive step towards a plant-based future.”

The Plant-Based Universities campaign isn’t just backed by students, but also academics across the country. In 2023, more than 650 academics signed an open letter from the campaign asking universities across the country to stop the sale of animal products on campuses. The letter was also signed by non-academics, including athletes, Green Party politicians, and TV presenter and environmentalist Chris Packham.

“Not vegan? That’s okay,” the letter read. “We are not asking for individual dietary changes. Students and staff can still bring whatever food they like onto campus. What we are asking for is institutional divestment.”