wellness
Noord Residents Turn to Plant Proteins, Ditching Meat for Nutrition
Interest in plant and alternative proteins is surging across Noord, as residents seek new ways to meet their nutritional goals without meat.
How we reported this
Almond tofu bowls have become a regular feature on the menu at Noord’s busy Haarlemmerdijk food corridor. At lunchtime, a steady stream of locals pick up vegan wraps, lentil salads, and chickpea pancakes, all packed with protein, but with no meat in sight.
The popularity of alternative protein is rising fast in Noord. Health authorities attribute this to renewed awareness about nutrition and sustainability. Wellness initiatives at both city and neighbourhood level have been encouraging residents to diversify their diets, aiming for lower environmental impact, as well as better health,” according to recent city council campaign briefs distributed in June.
Plant Power in Familiar Spots
Across the NDSM wharf, the plant-based grocery De Groene Haven reported a 43% increase in sales of locally made tempeh and lupin-based burger patties since January. Nearby at Java-plein, café BuurtKantine Noord has expanded its quinoa and lentil-based meal options after repeated customer requests for more non-meat protein. Owner Marlies van der Gracht noticed that lentil walnut loaf is now among their most popular lunch picks, especially on weekends. The local chapter of the Gezond Noord health project has also begun holding monthly educational sessions at the Van der Pekbuurt community centre, with focus on alternative proteins like seitan, pumpkin seeds, and locally-grown pulses.
Research from the Dutch Nutrition Centre shows that the average Noord resident now eats non-meat protein at least four times per week, up from twice a week in 2020. At De Groene Haven, a packet of organic Noord-made tempeh is currently €3.60, while a 250-gram bag of roasted chickpeas is €2.10. These prices are comparable to supermarket chicken, but with a gentler carbon footprint. Nationwide, plant-based protein options are expected to account for 25% of all protein consumption by 2027, with Noord consistently one of the fastest adopters, according to a June report by Wageningen University.
Getting Started, and Staying Full
Accessible recipes and community tastings make it easier for Noorders to try new foods without committing to an entirely meat-free life. The regular Wednesday pop-up at Mosveld Market offers free tastes of spirulina hummus, roasted edamame, and buckwheat porridge. For those unsure where to start, Gezond Noord’s nutrition guide, available at the community centre and online, rates protein sources by portion cost and preparation effort. Their current top picks: tinned lentils, plain tofu, split peas, and locally harvested hemp seeds.
Health workers continue to remind locals that protein needs vary by age and activity level. While athletes and older adults may wish to consult with registered dietitians, the vast majority of Noorders can easily meet protein needs with a few pantry changes. For some, that could mean adding a spoonful of sunflower seeds over breakfast porridge. For others, it’s swapping half the meat in family dinners for beans or egg. Almost every major supermarket in Noord now stocks one or more homegrown protein alternatives, making it increasingly simple to experiment meal by meal.
For more personalised advice, Noord residents are encouraged to schedule a session with a local dietitian or participate in one of the upcoming Gezond Noord events. The next community taste test and cooking workshop happens at Van der Pekbuurt on July 13.