Germany's Meat Consumption Hits Record Low as Plant-Based Surges

Meat consumption in Germany hits a record low. Plant-based alternatives boom, with sales reaching nearly €1.7 billion and over a third of households buying vegan meat analogues.

Germany's Meat Consumption Hits Record Low as Plant-Based Surges

Germany witnessed a significant shift in food consumption habits in 2024. Meat consumption hit an all-time low, while plant-based alternatives surged in popularity, with sales reaching nearly €1.7 billion. This trend reflects a growing number of Germans adopting vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diets.

In 2022, annual meat consumption in Germany dropped to its lowest point ever. This decline mirrors a growing interest in plant-based diets, with half of German adults expressing a desire to reduce their meat intake or increase their consumption of plant-based food. The decrease in meat consumption has also led to a reduction in milk consumption, with Germans drinking just 46.2kg per person in 2024, the lowest level recorded.

The decrease in meat and milk consumption has been accompanied by a boom in plant-based protein production. Since 2019, this sector has more than doubled, with production of meat alternatives growing every year. This growth has been driven by a 1.5% increase in plant-based food sales, reaching nearly €1.7 billion in 2024. The value of plant-based meat products alone reached €647 million in 2024, a staggering 137% increase from 2019. Over a third of German households purchased vegan meat analogues at least once in 2024.

The shift towards plant-based diets in Germany is undeniable, with over half of the population identifying as vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian. As meat and milk consumption continues to decline, the plant-based protein industry is set to grow further, driven by consumer demand and a burgeoning market for plant-based meat products.