The foundation for healthy and sustainable child nutrition

How our vegan concept harmonizes with the DGE quality standard

Good daycare meals don't just provide children with energy. They also support their development, promote healthy eating habits, and shape their long-term approach to food. Our goal is to implement precisely this in a contemporary, plant-based way, in line with the scientifically sound quality standards of the German Nutrition Society.

Orientation towards the DGE quality standard

The DGE quality standard provides daycare centers with a reliable framework for a balanced and health-promoting diet. In addition to nutrient distribution, it also considers aspects such as sustainability, food quality, sensory diversity, and educational support. We fully adhere to these principles. Our vegan cuisine meets all key requirements, even when implemented using plant-based ingredients. The recommendations contained therein can be easily implemented with modern plant-based ingredients, and in some cases, even further developed.

Our meal plans are based on the recommended macronutrient distribution: Carbohydrates form the basis, supplemented by high-quality plant-based protein sources and healthy fats. We use legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, for example, supplemented with cold-pressed oils and omega-3-rich algae oil. This reliably covers the need for essential nutrients, scientifically tested and implemented in a way that's suitable for everyday use.

Seasonal freshness and regional ingredients

Another central goal of the DGE standard is promoting sustainability. We implement this as a matter of course. Our ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible and are seasonal. This ensures short transport routes, high levels of freshness, and reduced environmental impact. Many of our suppliers operate organically or even according to Demeter or Bioland standards. All products are carefully selected and come from extensive farming practices without synthetic pesticides or mineral fertilizers.

Our selection isn't random. We consciously ensure that fruits and vegetables are processed at a time when their flavor and nutritional content are at their peak. This allows us to preserve the natural value of the food and offer children a flavorful and healthy meal.

Pedagogy and food education are part of it

The DGE quality standard also emphasizes the educational responsibility of catering. It's not enough to simply serve healthy meals. Children should be able to understand where their food comes from and why a balanced diet is beneficial. In the SchmatzGut kitchen, this is an integral part of our concept.

We deliberately create varied menus, using familiar and new ingredients, and playfully explaining what's on the plate to the children. This fosters curiosity, taste, and trust. Where possible, we also involve the teachers, so that mealtimes become a bonding experience.

Plant-based, scientific and future-oriented

Plant-based diets not only meet the requirements of the DGE standard, they can also contribute to its further development. Studies show that plant-based foods with high nutrient density and low environmental impact play a valuable role in children's nutrition. Proteins from lentils, beans, and grains not only provide children with a reliable supply of protein, they are also better tolerated and promote a healthy microbiome. Omega-3 fatty acids from algal oil or flaxseed are just as effective as fish oil and are even free of contaminant residues.

We're also well-positioned when it comes to vitamin B12. Fortified foods like nutritional yeast, which we specifically use in our menu planning, ensure a reliable supply. All critical nutrients are systematically considered and professionally monitored.

Our conclusion

The DGE quality standard provides a scientifically sound approach. We take this foundation seriously, but consciously adapt it to the requirements of a modern plant-based diet. Because children need both: nutrients that are good for them and a nutritional culture that makes them strong and curious.

Our vegan daycare catering therefore represents a holistic concept that fully implements the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and simultaneously complements them with new findings from nutritional research. This creates a diet that not only works today, but also makes sense tomorrow – for the children, for the families, and for the environment.