Planned Research for 2026: Empowering Informed Choices.
In 2026, we are continuing and expanding our research to better understand the health and environmental impacts of animal-based foods. Our goal remains the same: to provide clear, evidence-based insights that empower consumers to make informed, health-conscious decisions. Here’s what we’re focused on exploring next:
Meat & Whole-Foods Research.
We’re actively fundraising to support this expanded study, click here to help make this research possible.
Our Meat Study has expanded into a broader meat quality and whole-foods comparison study, designed to better reflect how different dietary approaches are represented, including animal-based diets. In addition to evaluating grass-fed versus grain-fed meat for nutrients and contaminants, such as heavy metals, we are expanding contaminant screening to include PFAS, microplastics and pesticides. This allows us to examine not just nutritional value, but overall food quality and potential exposure across different production systems.
To provide meaningful context, the study also compares meat with other commonly consumed foods, including chicken, fish, plant-based meat alternatives, fruit, vegetables, and rice. Looking at these foods side by side allows us to show where contaminants appear across the modern diet, information consumers rarely have access to in one place. By pairing nutrient density with contaminant profiles, this research aims to give a clearer, data-driven picture of which foods best support human health and why well-raised meat consistently stands out as a nutrient-dense, clean, and biologically appropriate choice.
- Drinking Water: We are currently conducting independent research on drinking water, examining the presence of heavy metals and microplastics. Our heavy metals analysis is complete and will be released soon. We have also completed microplastic testing and are now evaluating whether additional, more refined analysis — including nanoplastics (<1 µm) — is feasible before publishing those results. Nanoplastics are smaller and potentially more biologically relevant than microplastics, and emerging research suggests their presence may vary by water source, processing, and packaging. Because analytical methods in this area are still evolving, we want to ensure any additional testing meets appropriate scientific standards. Once this is confirmed, we’ll share our findings to provide clearer context around exposure and what it may and may not mean for health.
- Seed Oils: We are comparing commonly used seed oils (e.g., canola, palm) to healthier alternatives like grass-fed tallow and butter. Our goal is to highlight their effects on hormones, inflammation, and overall health.
- Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized Milk: We’ll evaluate pasteurized milk versus raw milk, identifying differences in contaminants, nutritional content, and their potential effects on health and well-being.
- Soil Health: Our research will analyze soil samples from conventional/GMO farms and regenerative farms to assess levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. Additionally, we’ll explore how manure from grain-fed versus grass-fed cattle contributes to soil fertilization and overall health.
- Salt Research Completed: We've completed our independent salt study, analyzing seven popular salts for heavy metals and microplastics. Results are now published, revealing that while some salts contained measurable contaminants, others were completely clean.
View our insights and see the full lab results →
Additional Studies Are Being Considered
If you have suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out: [email protected]
Shaping the Future of Nutrition Science
By sharing these findings, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how food impacts our health and environment, empowering the community to make choices that align with their values and well-being.
Together, let’s fuel progress and create a healthier, more informed future.
Help Us Drive Change in Nutrition Science.
Together, we can create meaningful change. In 2025, we’re advancing research in animal-based nutrition by collaborating with top labs and universities to provide accurate, evidence-based insights for healthier lives. Your support fuels this mission, join the movement.