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Protein Split

The Protein Split answers a single question: what share of the protein in a portfolio comes from plant sources, and what share from animal sources?

It is the metric normally used in the professional discussion around the protein transition (shifting animal protein toward plant protein).

How it is calculated​

Each line item is weighted by its actual protein content, not by its mass:

protein[item] (g) = quantity (kg) × protein content (g protein per kg)

plant share (%)   = protein_plant / (protein_plant + protein_animal) × 100

The plant/animal assignment comes from the product's food category. Protein contents come from the nutrient profiles in the Eaternity product database.

Not the same as the mass split​

Two different lenses

The Protein Split is not the share of animal products by purchase mass (the WWF mass split). Animal products are generally more protein-dense than plant products, so a site can be at 70% plant by mass and considerably lower by protein at the same time.

Both figures are correct — they measure different things. They must not be netted against each other or used interchangeably.

IndicatorWeighted byAnswers
Protein Splitprotein content (g protein)Where does the protein come from?
WWF mass splitpurchase mass (kg)How much of what we buy is animal-based?
PHD alignmentmass, energy-normalisedDoes the composition match a healthy, planet-compatible diet?

Protein by food category​

Alongside the headline percentage, protein is broken down by food category. This breakdown shows which product groups actually carry the protein supply — and therefore where a substitution has the greatest leverage.

A category holding a large share of total protein is a high-leverage target: switching it moves the split substantially. A category with a small share does not, however favourable its own plant ratio looks.

Data requirements​

  • Complete portfolio. The split normalises over total protein. Missing assortment segments shift the denominator.
  • Non-food exclusion. Non-food articles carry no protein and are excluded by product classification.
  • Nutrient coverage. Items resolved to a proxy without a protein profile cannot contribute; classification quality therefore affects the result.

Limitations​

  1. Describes the portfolio, not the plate. Like all portfolio indicators, it reflects what was purchased or recorded — not what guests actually ate.
  2. Protein quantity, not protein quality. The indicator counts grams of protein. It does not assess amino-acid profile, digestibility (DIAAS/PDCAAS) or bioavailability, which differ between plant and animal sources.
  3. Category-level assignment. Plant/animal classification follows the product category. Mixed products are resolved through their ingredient breakdown.