Germany's meat consumption plummets as plant-based diets take over

Germany's eating habits are shifting fast. More than half the population now follows a vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diet. This change has pushed meat and milk consumption to record lows while boosting demand for plant-based alternatives.

In 2022, meat consumption in Germany hit its lowest point ever. By 2024, milk drinking had also dropped to an all-time low. Meanwhile, the market for plant-based foods grew by 1.5%, reaching nearly €1.7 billion in sales.

Production of meat alternatives has surged since 2019. Output more than doubled by 2024, with plant-based protein production expanding at the same pace. The value of these products jumped by 137% over five years.

Consumer behaviour reflects this trend. A third of German households bought vegan meat substitutes at least once in 2024. Surveys also show that half of adults want to cut back on meat or eat more plant-based meals.

The shift towards plant-based diets is reshaping Germany's food industry. With production and sales rising sharply, alternatives to meat and dairy are becoming mainstream. The trend suggests further growth as more people adjust their eating habits.