Paris 2024 Olympics Sets A New Record With Meat-Free Menus

By Liis Hainla. Published: July 2024.
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As the world eagerly anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympics, there’s a fresh twist that’s capturing attention: the games will showcase an unprecedented shift towards vegetarian cuisine.

With 60% of meals served to the public being meat-free and 80% sourced locally, the Paris Olympics are setting a new record for environmental sustainability and culinary innovation.

France, traditionally celebrated for its rich, meat-heavy dishes like foie gras and beef bourguignon, is flipping the script. The country known for its high meat consumption is now championing a “greens over meats” philosophy, aiming to surprise and delight visitors with its vibrant and diverse vegetarian offerings.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, “It’s also our responsibility to educate the people who will be engaged in Paris 2024. It’s a collective duty now to change our habits and definitely to reduce our carbon footprint,” as he told Euronews.

This commitment to sustainability is evident in the sourcing of ingredients, with 80% of all dishes being locally produced, minimizing transportation emissions and supporting local agriculture.

The culinary lineup promises to be both gourmet and fun, led by some of France’s most renowned chefs. Alexandre Mazzia, a three-star Michelin chef, is set to impress with his herbaceous chickpea pomade, a dish that highlights the creativity and sophistication of plant-based cuisine.

Other exciting menu items include a quinoa risotto and a delectable chocolate mousse with raspberries, ensuring that the vegetarian options are as indulgent and satisfying as any meat dish.

The Largest Restaurant on Earth

The Olympic Village, which will serve as the temporary home for approximately 15,000 athletes, is set to become the largest restaurant on Earth. With the capacity to serve 40,000 meals a day and open 24 hours, the village’s dining experience will cater to every palate. Impressively, 33% of the food served to athletes will be plant-based, reflecting the broader trend towards healthier and more sustainable eating habits, according to a report on Olympics.com.

Adding to the excitement, Garden Gourmet, a subsidiary of Nestlé, will debut as an Olympic sponsor, offering an array of meat-free options such as burgers, falafels, and plant-based “tuna.” This partnership underscores the growing popularity and acceptance of plant-based diets on a global stage.

In a delightful nod to French culinary tradition, the Olympic Village will also feature a boulangerie, baking fresh baguettes and other pastries. Athletes will even have the opportunity to participate in baguette-making workshops, adding a hands-on, cultural experience to their stay.

Setting a New Standard for Global Events

The Paris 2024 Olympics are not just a sporting event but a showcase of how global gatherings can lead the way in sustainability and innovation. By embracing a predominantly vegetarian menu, the games are sending a powerful message: it’s possible to enjoy gourmet, nutritious, and environmentally friendly meals without compromising on taste. This bold move sets a precedent for future international events, proving that with creativity and commitment, we can all contribute to a healthier planet.

My name is Liis. I've been a vegan for a long time and advocate for the vegan lifestyle. Through Vegan Avenue, I write about the latest vegan news, trends, events, and all things related to the vegan lifestyle.