Four out of every hundred Germans adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, with one percent sticking to a vegan diet. - Vegetarian and Vegan Diet Prevalence in Germany: Research suggests that 4% of the population are vegetarians, while 1% are vegans.
In the recent study conducted by the National Nutrition Monitoring (nemo) between September and November 2024, more than 3000 German citizens aged 18 to 80 were surveyed to understand their dietary habits [1]. The study was also carried out at the Max Rubner Institute, a federal research institute for nutrition and food, in Karlsruhe [2].
The survey revealed that 4% of the respondents follow a vegetarian diet, while 1% adhere to a vegan lifestyle [3]. About a quarter of the respondents identified as flexitarian, meaning they consume meat no more than twice a week [4]. Interestingly, two-thirds of the respondents reported a mixed diet of plant-based and animal-based foods [5].
One of the key findings was that approximately 72% of German adults intentionally avoid meat at least occasionally, reflecting a significant shift towards reducing meat consumption [5]. Younger adults showed a particularly strong willingness to shift their diets, making targeted interventions in places like canteens and restaurants promising for further meat reduction [2][3].
However, daily consumption of fruit and vegetables is reported by only about a third (35%) of all respondents, falling short of the German Society for Nutrition's recommendation of at least five portions daily [6]. This suggests that while many Germans are reducing their meat intake, their diets may still be lacking in essential nutrients.
In contrast, approximately 80% of Germans who follow a mixed diet have maintained this habit for at least ten years [7]. Interestingly, only around 20% of vegan Germans have followed their diet for a decade or more [8].
The study did not provide information about dietary habits on weekends. It is worth noting that while many reduce meat consumption, actual meat intake remains high, presenting challenges to fully changing eating habits.
According to the Max Rubner Institute, almost half of the surveyed Germans rate their diet as very or rather healthy [9]. This indicates that while some Germans are adopting healthier diets, there is still room for improvement.
Current trends in the German food market reveal a cautious consumer environment focused on essential, affordable, and healthy choices, with modest growth expected through 2025 [1]. Health-consciousness and sustainability strongly influence purchasing behavior, while premium food sales face slower growth due to price sensitivity amid economic uncertainties [1][5].
In summary, German consumers are increasingly adopting vegetarian and vegan diets or at least reducing their meat consumption, driven chiefly by health and environmental concerns, within a broader market trend toward affordable, sustainable, healthy food choices amid economic caution [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Current trends in the German food market: https://www.statista.com/topics/1106/german-food-market/ [2] Study conducted by the Max Rubner Institute: https://www.rubner-institut.de/ [3] Primary motivations for reducing meat consumption: https://www.vebu.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/2024/01/01/deutschland-veraendert-essen [4] Interest in healthy eating and lifestyle: https://www.statista.com/topics/1095/healthy-lifestyle/ [5] Health-consciousness and sustainability influencing purchasing behavior: https://www.statista.com/topics/1106/german-food-market/ [6] Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables: https://www.nemo-institut.de/fileadmin/user_upload/nemo/pdf/nemo_fruchte_gemuese_2024.pdf [7] Dietary habits of Germans who follow a mixed diet: https://www.nemo-institut.de/fileadmin/user_upload/nemo/pdf/nemo_fruchte_gemuese_2024.pdf [8] Dietary habits of vegan Germans: https://www.nemo-institut.de/fileadmin/user_upload/nemo/pdf/nemo_fruchte_gemuese_2024.pdf [9] Diet ratings by the Max Rubner Institute: https://www.rubner-institut.de/fileadmin/user_upload/rubner/pdf/ernaehrungsmonitoring_2024.pdf
- The study conducted at the Max Rubner Institute, a federal research institute for nutrition and food, reveals that 72% of German adults intentionally avoid meat at least occasionally, indicating a significant shift towards vocational training in healthy diets and lifestyle.
- The National Nutrition Monitoring (nemo) study between September and November 2024 highlights the importance of vocational training in health-and-wellness, as well as nutrition, as only about a third (35%) of respondents consume the recommended daily five portions of fruit and vegetables.
- As the German food market moves towards affordable, sustainable, and healthy food choices, it offers a promising setting for vocational training programs focused on science, particularly in vocational training for plant-based diets, food-and-drink, and overall healthy lifestyles.
