Agroecological foods to celebrate now.

This is for UK based chefs who want to make DELICIOUS food and create positive change in our food system.


Chefs have the power to shape food trends, so it’s time we used it! By celebrating these ingredients on our menus today, we can shift the way we all eat for the better.

How to use Todays Menu

We know you're busy, so start with the key takeaways at the top of each section for quick insights. But don’t miss out on the fantastic recipes, interviews, and practical tips from the inspiring chefs who contributed to this resource. For the curious chefs, there are lots of interesting topics to dive into!

Want to know how we put together Today's Menu? Or what we mean by agroecological foods? Scroll to the bottom for more info!


Cover image credit: Matt Ankers

todays-menu-1/guidingprinciples

Guiding Principles

Whenever you’re sourcing food for your menus, these two principles are everything.

Farmer - Chef Connections

Farmers are our partners, we need to collaborate with and support them in producing our food

Seasonality

Sourcing seasonal food guarantees great flavour and good farming practices.

THE INGREDIENTS

Learn More about Todays Menu

The global food system is constantly changing and adapting, and so will this resource. Ingredients and ideas will be removed and added as appropriate. So, keep coming back as we present the latest foods that deserve a place on our menus today.

This is just the beginning. There are so many more foods to explore, including spices, dairy, oil, sugar, and the sea's bounty. Stay tuned—these will be coming soon!

  • This is a platform to amplify expert voices. Voices we think more of us chefs should hear from. Our team of chefs and growers has thoroughly researched each section through collaboration and conversations with industry leaders. The information on these pages reflects the best insights. While this resource may not cover every detail, we're committed to continuously improving it. If any omissions exist, we're dedicated to addressing them to ensure chefs have access to the most accurate, up-to-date information available. If you think we are missing something or a key message then let us know so we can share you!

    Check out the logos below to see some of the inspirational organisations that have given time to help deliver Today's Menu. 

  • These are foods cultivated or raised in collaboration with natural ecosystems including human communities. It’s food produced without chemicals and in support of biological processes. This holistic approach to production equally considers regenerating the environment, meeting human food requirements and the wellbeing of food system workers, highlighting the integration of ecological and social factors. The principle of food justice is central to agroecology - access to affordable, truly nutritious food for all is a key goal. By adopting agroecological practices, production can enhance biodiversity, restore both ecosystems and models of community ownership, and promote the production of nutritious, culturally appropriate food options.

  • We chose “Agroecology” over “Regenerative Agriculture” because we think it is equally important to consider the social factors within the food system, as the environmental. Agroecology has the scope for this. However, we approach both terms with caution due to the lack of regulations and certifications. They are vulnerable to greenwashing. A farmer can label themself ‘regenerative’ even if they plan to continue use of glyphosate and a small agroecological farm business could be relying on unpaid labour, excluding land workers from low socio-economic backgrounds. 

    While the Organic certification is robust and trustworthy, many farmers produce outstanding, chemical-free food but are unable to obtain certification because of financial obstacles. We want to support these farmers and suppliers too, as well as those who are committed to making changes but may not necessarily be able to go chemical free overnight. 

Research Credit: Jack Peppiatt, Caitlin Tacey, Arran Denning, Marta de Miguel Sansaloni, Dylan Grinker