New protein ranking names unexpected winner over beef, salmon and eggs

A new ranking of 20 protein sources puts tofu ahead of beef, salmon and eggs, with a score of 36 out of 40. It highlights how protein foods can differ in nutrition, cost, availability and environmental impact, but the ranking is an early scoring tool rather than a dietary guideline.

Created by a University of Cambridge researcher and the Better Protein Institute, the BPI Score combines a “People Score” with a “Planet Score”. The paper estimates that producing 100 grams of protein from tofu generates 0.61 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions and uses about 2 square metres of land, compared with 64.19 kilograms and 211 square metres for beef. The comparison uses the amount of each food needed to provide 100 grams of protein, not equal-sized portions, and draws on UK grocery data; experts advise considering serving size, dietary needs and personal preference.