This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Consumers are increasingly confronted with conflicting information surrounding how much protein they should have and which protein sources are healthiest, most sustainable, and best value for money. Cambridge research has uncovered the truth.
In a paper published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Dr. Chris Macdonald explored the best sources of protein currently available. To answer the question, Macdonald had to build a new holistic scoring system that combines measures of environmental impact, health, affordability and availability into a single framework.
Applying the scoring system to 20 commonly consumed protein-rich foods, the analysis found a striking pattern: every product in the highest-scoring quintile was plant-based, while every product in the lowest-scoring quintile was animal-based. Tofu ranked first overall, while cheddar cheese ranked last. The paper argues that many existing food rating systems focus on only one aspect of a product.
While useful, these single-dimension labels can obscure important trade-offs and make it difficult to compare foods comprehensively. As noted in the paper, "Against deliberate corporate obfuscation and marketing myths, the goal of a holistic score is not to create a new label, but to foster a new literacy, one that empowers us to see the reality of the systems we are funding. "Ultimately, beyond the spreadsheets and scores lies a fundamental reckoning: our protein choice is a referendum on the compassion we are willing to show to animals, to the planet and to future generations." Chris Macdonald, What are the best sources of protein?
Introducing the BPI Score, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2026). DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2026.1677796 Journal information: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems MA in English, copy editor since 2021 with experience in higher education and health content. Dedicated to trustworthy science news.
Full profile → Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
