Long Survey Results Showcase Widespread Consumption of Meat Among Population Over Extended Periods
In a recent survey conducted by the Max Rubner Institute, the federal research institute for nutrition and food in Karlsruhe, around 3,155 German-speaking individuals aged 18 to 80 were asked to estimate their current diet [1]. The survey, which took place online from September to November of the previous year, was a part of the National Nutrition Monitoring.
The survey results suggest that the proportion of vegans and vegetarians in Germany is smaller than many might estimate. Approximately four percent of German respondents follow a vegetarian diet, avoiding meat and fish, while about one percent follow a vegan diet, avoiding all animal products including milk, eggs, and honey [1]. However, it's important to note that another survey conducted in 2023 reported slightly different figures, with nine percent identifying as vegetarians and three percent as vegans [3].
The MRI's findings suggest that the self-reported diets of survey participants may not always accurately reflect their actual dietary habits. In fact, a discrepancy was found between the statements on consumption and the actual consumption of food among survey participants [1]. This discrepancy could be due to a variety of factors, such as social desirability bias or misunderstandings about what constitutes a vegetarian or vegan diet.
The majority of vegans (80%) have not followed a vegan diet for as long as the majority of mixed diet followers (80%), who have been following their dietary form for at least ten years [1]. Approximately two-thirds of survey participants identified as having a mixed diet, eating meat no more than twice a week according to self-report [1]. However, according to the MRI's evaluation of data and consumption, about 75 percent of mixed diet followers have meat on their plate more than twice a week [1].
It's worth noting that the survey was conducted in German language, and participants were asked to estimate their current diet, with several options available [1]. Approximately a quarter of respondents described themselves as "flexitarian."
For the most accurate and specific data from the National Nutrition Monitoring, it's recommended to refer directly to their latest reports or publications. The current information on the percentage of vegans and vegetarians in Germany, as reported by the Max Rubner Institute, indicates that a smaller proportion of the population identifies as vegetarian or vegan than some self-reported data might suggest [1]. This highlights the importance of reliable and accurate data in understanding dietary trends in Germany.
The survey reveals that a significant portion of participants might misunderstand or overestimate their adherence to vegan and vegetarian diets, as the self-reported data doesn't always concur with the actual consumption of food [1]. In light of this, it's crucial to emphasize the significance of health-and-wellness decisions like a healthy-diets, including nutrition, in a science-based context for accurate dietary trend assessments in Germany.
