Helsinki is cutting back further on meat in school meals, aiming to halve the share of meat and dairy products by 2030 compared with 2019. The move follows a city council decision last week.
From 2029, meat dishes will be served only once or twice a week, with a focus on vegetarian meals and fish.
The changes are driven primarily by environmental concerns and updated nutrition guidelines encouraging reduced meat consumption.
"What I can say is that next autumn we will replace the turkey bolognese with a fish sauce," said Katja Peränen, a city food expert for schools.
A continuing trend
In Helsinki, schools have long emphasised vegetarian and fish-based meals. Since 2019, the amount of red meat served has already been cut by half.
Right now, red meat appears on the menu five times over a six-week cycle. By autumn 2029, it will feature only four times, though it is not yet clear which dish will be removed.
Chicken and turkey are now served eight times over six weeks, dropping to five by 2029.
Peränen noted that having less meat does not have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Schools are experimenting with partially blending plant-based proteins into meat dishes as another way to reduce overall meat consumption.
