Health at the Centre of Protein Diversification: Insights from the Breaking the Bubble of Sustainable Protein roundtable
At a Brussels policy roundtable on alternative proteins, PAN International and PAN DACH highlighted why public health should sit at the centre of Europe’s approach to protein diversification.
On 18 March, PAN International’s EU Public Affairs Officer, Federica Amiconi, attended the Breaking the Bubble of Sustainable Protein policy roundtable in Brussels, hosted by Clim-Eat, WePlanet and AgriCord, alongside Daniela Bergthaler from PAN DACH.
PAN DACH executive board member and co-founder Daniela Bergthaler with PAN International’s EU Public Affairs Officer Federica Amiconi
Together, they brought the health perspective into discussions with a wide range of public policy stakeholders, including farmers’ organisations, consumer groups, and private sector representatives.
The event brought together voices from across the food and agriculture sector to explore protein diversification as a pragmatic way forward. Importantly, the discussion moved beyond the often polarised framing of livestock versus alternative proteins, instead focusing on a more balanced and integrated approach.
PAN International was invited to contribute the public health perspective to the debate, highlighting the role plant-based proteins can play in preventing non-communicable diseases and supporting healthier, more sustainable diets across Europe.
A key message from PAN was that public health can serve as an important bridge in a debate that is often framed in oppositional terms. We highlighted the need for a diversified protein system that is sustainable, resilient, and fair to farmers and consumers alike. Several key insights from the roundtable reinforced why this matters for both public health and food policy in Europe.
Plant-Rich Diets and Protein Diversification can Support Better Public Health Outcomes in Europe
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Europe¹ , while intensive livestock farming continues to place pressure on planetary boundaries and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions².
Speaking during the discussion, Daniela Bergthaler said:
“Our current food systems are putting pressure on planetary boundaries. Intensive animal farming is also linked to wider public health concerns, including antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic disease risks. This is why we promote the Planetary Health Diet as a useful reference point. Not as a rigid prescription or a one-size-fits-all model, but as a direction of travel.”
She also stressed that plant-rich dietary patterns are associated with better health outcomes, with benefits that extend beyond cardiovascular health to include the prevention of other chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes³ and certain cancers.
Another important point raised during the roundtable was that good health outcomes do not depend on identifying one single “best” protein source. Rather, they come from supporting balanced, diverse dietary patterns across food groups. Diversifying protein sources can help improve overall diet quality and support the intake of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial bioactive compounds such as polyphenols.
From Policy to Practice: Opportunities for Europe
To translate protein diversification from policy into practice, the upcoming EU Protein Strategy represents an important opportunity to strengthen plant-based value chains and support innovation in Europe. It also offers a chance to create a more level playing field across protein sources in ways that can benefit both public health and environmental sustainability.
At the same time, the European Cardiovascular Health Plan, known as the Safe Hearts Plan, presents a timely opportunity to invest in better nutrition as part of efforts to prevent diet-related disease and reduce pressure on European healthcare systems.
Food-Based Dietary Guidelines Remain a Key Public Health Tool
Food-based dietary guidelines are among the most important policy tools available for guiding populations towards healthier eating patterns. They translate scientific evidence into practical, everyday advice.
Encouragingly, a growing number of European countries are beginning to integrate sustainability into their dietary guidelines, including Belgium⁴, Denmark⁵, the Netherlands⁶, and Austria⁷. This reflects a positive shift towards recognising that health and environmental considerations should go hand in hand, and that protein diversification is becoming an increasingly mainstream part of public guidance.
From Evidence to Action
The Breaking the Bubble of Sustainable Protein discussion made one thing clear: this is not a battle between protein sources. There is no single solution or silver bullet. What is needed is a mix of measures and a diverse range of food options that work for people, for farmers, and for the planet.
As Daniela put it:
“To make this transition work, we will need a mix of measures and a diverse range of food options. People need supportive food environments. They need clear guidance, including front-of-pack nutrition labelling. They need attractive and affordable options. And they need a food system in which the healthier and more sustainable choice becomes the easier choice.”
That is the real win-win: better public health, stronger environmental sustainability, and a food system that leaves no one behind.