Plant-Powered UAE: Bare Foods Global Champions for Meatless Mondays
Schools, hospitals, and universities across the UAE are embracing a greener, healthier future with the first-of-its-kind producer of all natural, plant-based meat and dairy alternatives in the Middle East, Bare Foods Global. Since January, this innovative company has spearheaded the "Meatless Monday" movement, introducing plant-based meals to over 20 schools, universities, and even hospitals.
Bare Foods Global, led by founder Tolga Soytekin, is the official Meatless Monday affiliate for the Middle East. Their mission? To convince institutions across the UAE to adopt plant-based dishes every Monday.
Making Plant-Based Fun and Familiar
Soytekin understands the importance of a smooth transition. Since UAE school catering is outsourced, Bare Foods Global collaborates with catering companies to offer kid-friendly, plant-based versions of classic dishes like burgers, pasta, and pizza. "We recommend familiar favorites," says Soytekin. "Kids are more likely to accept a plant-based lasagna or breaded 'chicken' if it looks similar to what they know." This approach not only encourages kids to embrace Meatless Mondays at school but also makes it easier for parents to introduce the concept at home.
Beyond Business: A Passion for Sustainability
Soytekin, a chef and owner of the plant-based cafe GYPSY Dubai Mall, is driven by a deep commitment to sustainability. Bare Foods Global offers plant-based protein products free of artificial ingredients and preservatives. "Our goal is bigger than business. We want to inspire schools, universities, and hospitals to join Meatless Monday. We support our catering partners with recipes and guidance." Soytekin explains.
Tolga SoytekinThe environmental impact of meatless Mondays
Soytekin emphasizes the environmental benefits. "If everyone went meatless one day a week, it would be like taking millions of cars off the road for a year! Producing meat requires significantly more water and generates higher CO2 emissions compared to plant-based proteins."
Building a Plant-Powered Future, One Monday at a Time
Bare Foods Global is taking things a step further. This September, they're hosting representatives from Meatless Monday to conduct seminars for local caterers, teachers, and education professionals.
The ultimate goal? To make meatless Monday a staple in UAE households. "Kids have a big influence on family meals," says Soytekin. "Similar to the UK, where Meatless Monday has been around for a decade and led to a rise in plant-based diets, we hope to see a similar shift here."
Bare Foods Global is leading the charge for a healthier, more sustainable UAE, one delicious meatless Monday at a time.