Vegan and vegetarian diets less common than expected

Plant-based eating remains a minority choice

Despite the growing variety of plant-based products on supermarket shelves, only around 4% of people in Germany follow a vegetarian diet, meaning they avoid both meat and fish. Just 1% live fully vegan, steering clear of all animal products, including milk, eggs, and even honey. These insights come from the National Nutrition Monitoring conducted by the Max Rubner Institute in Karlsruhe, which surveyed over 3,000 adults aged 18 to 80 about their eating habits.

Meat consumption still going strong

Roughly two-thirds of those surveyed described their diet as “mixed” – a combination of plant and animal-based foods. About a quarter identified as “flexitarian,” meaning they try to limit meat to no more than twice a week. But when it comes to long-term habits, the differences are stark: 80% of those who eat mixed diets have done so for over ten years, while only 20% of vegans have stuck to their diet that long.

Healthy eating? More perception than practice

Almost half of the participants believe they eat healthily. But only 35% say they eat fruits and vegetables every day, despite the recommendation of five servings daily. About 12% consider their diet unhealthy, often citing high consumption of meat, processed foods, and sweets as the reason.