Despite the growing trend toward vegan diets, meat consumption remains significant in parts of Europe. Leading the way are Spaniards, who consumed an average of 105 kilograms per capita in 2022. At the other end of the spectrum, North Macedonia recorded just 42 kilograms per person, making it the lowest consumer. Germany, with approximately 71.4 kilograms per capita, ranked slightly above the second-lowest category. Beyond Europe, the “titleholder” USA consumed a staggering 122 kilograms per capita—a result that surprises no one. What does the future hold for meat consumption?

What Explains Regional Differences in Meat Consumption?

The two main factors are price levels and eating habits. Spain combines a meat-heavy cuisine with the lowest pork prices in Europe. In 2022, pork cost €1.61 per kilogram at the slaughterhouse in Spain, compared to €1.78 in Germany and €2.08 in Sweden, the most expensive country. On the Balkan Peninsula, meat is relatively expensive compared to locally grown vegetables. For many people in this region and Turkey, meat has become a luxury item. In Turkey, pork — the cheapest meat alternative — is not available due to religious reasons, which explains why dishes in this region are predominantly plant-based. Home gardens are also more common than in Germany. In North Macedonia, minced meat is part of daily meals but consumed in smaller quantities overall, contributing to the lower annual per capita total compared to countries like Germany.

Organic Animal Farming – An Alternative to Vegan or Vegetarian Diets?

The reasons people choose vegetarian or vegan diets vary widely. For vegetarians, concerns about animal welfare during farming, transport, and slaughter often play a significant role. Advocates for meat-based diets might argue that there are farming practices that prioritize animal welfare. However, statistics on organic animal farming remain bleak: In 2022, only 7% of cattle and 1% of pigs in the EU were raised under organic conditions (Destatis/Eurostat).

Statistics Debunk Dietary Stereotypes

The term “Mediterranean diet” is well-known and typically refers to a cuisine rich in vegetables, salads, and fish while being less reliant on meat. Unfortunately, it seems that countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia haven’t gotten the memo. Italians have partially embraced this concept, as have Balkan countries and Turkey. Interestingly, Switzerland aligns more closely with “Mediterranean” dietary habits than its neighbors France and Italy — a surprising twist given Switzerland’s association with cows and alpine pastures rather than fish dishes.

Trends in Meat Consumption: Germany vs. The World

Between 2010 and 2022, meat consumption in Germany decreased from 86.2 kilograms per capita to 70.6 kilograms (Statista). Globally, however, the trend is different:

(Source: FAO – “Production”/”Crops and livestock products”/”Livestock Primary”)During this period, the global population increased from approximately 6.3 billion to 8.02 billion—a rise of 27.3%. Meat consumption has thus grown disproportionately compared to population growth.

What Does the Future Hold for Meat Consumption?

Mark Twain once said that making predictions is difficult — especially about the future. However, for Western and Central Europe as well as the USA, it’s likely that the trend toward plant-based diets will continue to grow. Although Germany saw a slight decline in vegans between 2022 and 2023, most data trends occasionally show short-term reversals before continuing their trajectory. In Austria, for example, the proportion of vegans rose from 3% to 5% by 2024; Italy reported a vegan population share of 2.4%, while both the UK and Germany stand at around 3%. The curve points upward for plant-based diets while trending downward for meat consumption overall.