Did you know that plant-forward dining is the way of the future? While only a small percentage of older adults follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, research shows that nearly one in four Americans is actively reducing their meat consumption. Plant-based eating is on the rise as more people look for meals that balance flavor, health, and sustainability.
As one of the top food trends of 2024 and 2025, plant-forward dining should be an area of focus on your to-do list. However, it’s more than a passing trend.
It represents a growing movement that is reshaping how we view food, wellness, and the overall culinary experience — especially in community living, where traditional and, albeit predictable, lackluster dining packages have unfortunately been the norm.
Let’s start by defining what a plant-based diet is.
What is plant-forward dining?
You might have heard of vegan or vegetarian diets, but have you ever heard of plant-forward dining?
Plant-forward dining is an approach to eating that emphasizes plants such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, as the foundation of meals, while still allowing for moderate portions of animal-based products if desired.
Unlike strictly vegetarian or vegan diets, plant-forward dining doesn’t eliminate meat, dairy, or seafood but instead shifts the focus toward plants as the main feature on the plate.
Therefore, it provides the perfect balance between what your residents are typically used to and a tasty, safe alternative to traditional meals.
Benefits of plant-forward dining
Choosing a plant-forward dining style in senior community living offers a wide range of benefits, from improving personal health to supporting environmental sustainability.
Improving physical and mental health
Many older adults deal with complex physical and mental health needs. For example, heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in the U.S. according to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with cancer, stroke (and other cerebrovascular diseases), and diabetes following shortly behind.
Surprisingly, a vegan (or plant-forward diet) can help reduce the number of pills older adults take for their health. A study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that following this type of diet was linked with lower pill use compared to those on a non-vegetarian diet, signaling a significant health benefit for residents like yours.
Some other benefits of eating plant-focused meals for seniors include improved gut health and a reduced risk for heart disease and urological cancer.
However, it’s important to note that plant-forward diets, just like any type of diet, aren’t recommended for the entire older adult population. It’s important to consider unique resident needs and take a person-centered approach to dining.
Improving environmental sustainability
The discussion on environmental sustainability can be a lot to grasp, especially if it’s not something you’ve prioritized in your community.
Incorporating plant-focused dining can help address sustainability challenges you may face, which is one part of our food service management program. It includes different efforts such as:
- Reducing food waste by creating customizable, person-centered meal plans
- Adding fresh, local ingredients to favorite dishes
- Following health and safety standards to follow F-tag guidelines
Increasing sustainability also helps to reduce costs, which is an added bonus to helping promote clean-earth practices — helping you stay budget friendly while enhancing resident health and satisfaction and promoting a more sustainable future.
Improving menu diversity
When you add plant-based alternatives to your dining, you also improve your menu diversity. Residents get used to frequently served dishes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer different versions of familiar favorites.
By placing vegetables, grains, and plant proteins as a feature on the plate, your residents are encouraged to move beyond the predictable to experiment with new flavors and cultural influences. You’ll reduce repetition and increase menu inclusivity that’ll open the opportunity for more unique ingredients.
Let’s go through some plant-based menu suggestions.
Updating menus with plant-based dishes
It’s time to spice up your menu with some plant-forward inspirations. While we always recommend consulting with your resident dietitian, here’s are a few suggestions of plant-based dishes to add to your dining plan:
- Vegan Nachos: Made with plant-based cheese and loaded with beans, fresh salsa, and avocado, these nachos are a fun, shareable dish that feels indulgent while staying nutrient-rich.
- Miso Soup: The light, yet flavorful tofu-based miso soup provides a warm and comfortable menu option while introducing residents to umami-rich flavors and beneficial probiotics.
- Jackfruit BBQ: Slow-cooked jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork, making it a satisfying, savory choice for sandwiches or plated entrées without the heaviness of meat.
- Chickpea Curry: This nutritious dish blends protein-packed legumes with savory, aromatic spices and vegetables, making it a flavorful option to enjoy with rice, grains, or flatbreads.
Partner with plant-forward dining experts for your community
Now, it’s time to figure out which dishes you want to add to your menu to make it more plant-forward. As part of our Culinary Promise, we aim to help you create a person-centered, health-focused culinary experience that your residents won’t forget.
Instead of focusing on typical dishes, you can surprise residents and their families with unique, flavorful plant-based dishes that mimic their favorite comfort foods or expose them to new and inviting flavors.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward plant-forward dining, one of our sales team members is waiting to speak with you. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more.
