Longitudinal Study Reveals Scarcity of Individuals Abstaining from Meat Consumption for Extended Periods
German Dietary Habits: Survey Suggests Vegan and Vegetarian Proportions May Be Lower Than Estimated
New findings from the National Nutrition Monitoring survey, conducted by the Max Rubner Institute (MRI), have challenged the assumption that vegans and vegetarians in Germany consistently adhere to their dietary choices over a long period.
The survey, which was conducted online among 3,155 German-speaking individuals aged 18 to 80 from September to November last year, asked respondents to estimate their current diet, providing several options.
The results showed that about 4% of respondents in Germany identified as vegetarian, meaning they do not consume meat or fish. This is in line with previous reports, suggesting that roughly 4% of the population identifies as vegetarian.
However, the proportion of vegans in Germany, according to the survey, may be smaller than many might estimate. Approximately 1% of respondents described their diet as vegan, avoiding not only meat and fish, but also all other animal products like milk, eggs, and honey.
Interestingly, the statement indicates a difference in the duration of dietary forms between mixed-dieters and vegans. About 80% of mixed-dieters have been practicing this dietary form for at least ten years, while only around 20% of vegans have been living without meat and fish or any animal products for that long, according to their own statements.
The survey results also show that a significant number of mixed-dieters consume more meat than they reported. The evaluation of data showed a discrepancy between stated and actual consumption of meat, with about 75% of mixed-dieters consuming meat more than twice a week.
On the other hand, about a quarter of respondents identified as flexitarians, consuming meat no more than twice a week.
The findings of the survey were reported in Karlsruhe, where the MRI is located. The MRI, the federal research institute for nutrition and food, reported the findings, including the discrepancy between stated and actual consumption of meat in the survey.
These results suggest that many vegans and vegetarians may not adhere strictly to their stated dietary practices. The survey findings challenge the assumption that these individuals consistently follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, and highlight the importance of accurate self-reporting in dietary surveys.
[1] Source: Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz, 2019 [3] Source: Veganismus in Deutschland 2020 - Marktentwicklung, Trends und Zukunft - Statista, 2020
- The survey findings indicate that the proportion of vegans in Germany might be lower than expected, with only around 1% of respondents reporting a vegan diet, highlighting a potential gap between stated and actual adherence to a vegan lifestyle.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, this survey delves into the realm of science, shedding light on the dietary habits of Germans, revealing that while about 4% of respondents identify as vegetarian, the proportion of vegans may be smaller, potentially affecting nutritional intake and healthy-diets practices in the country.
