started · updated
Germany meat consumption shifts toward flexitarianism
Data from YouGov and the SINUS Institute indicate a shift in meat consumption patterns in Germany. While the number of households purchasing meat or poultry decreased by two percentage points compared to 2022, the total volume purchased increased by 3%.
Chicken has become the most popular meat, accounting for 35% of sales, followed by pork at 32%. Conversely, both the reach and sales volume of sausages have declined.
Research shows that 27% of meat eaters plan to reduce their consumption in the near future, and 43% believe eating less meat, sausage, or fish would benefit their health. However, a mass transition to vegetarianism or veganism is not evident; only 22% of those looking to reduce animal products are considering a vegetarian diet, and 14% are considering veganism. Experts suggest the trend is moving toward flexitarianism—a more conscious and flexible approach to eating rather than total avoidance.
Entities
Germany · Petra Süptitz · Sinus-Institut · Thünen Institute · YouGov
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nearly 35 percent of households purchased meat substitutes in 2026.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Twenty-seven percent of meat eaters plan to reduce their consumption in the near future. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.onetz.de · www.wz.de
- [● 7 SOURCES] The reach of meat buyers decreased by two percentage points compared to 2022. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.onetz.de · www.wz.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sales of other meat substitutes, such as tofu and falafel, increased by 38 percent.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Between January and July 2026, 93 percent of German households purchased meat or poultry. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.onetz.de · www.wz.de
- [● 7 SOURCES] The total amount of meat purchased increased by three percent. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.onetz.de · www.wz.de
- [● 7 SOURCES] Chicken accounts for 35 percent of meat sales, followed by pork at 32 percent. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.onetz.de · www.wz.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sales of meat-analog products like vegetarian or vegan sausage rose by over six percent.