Meat consumers and non-meat consumers in Germany: a characterisation based on results of the German National Nutrition Survey II

TLDR

Meat consumption in high‑income countries is increasingly discussed due to its environmental, health, and ethical impacts. This study aims to describe meat consumption patterns, associated sociodemographic factors, and links to health and nutrition using data from the German National Nutrition Survey II. Data from 12,915 adults (18‑80 y) were collected via two 24‑h recalls and interviews, with participants classified as non‑meat consumers, low‑meat consumers (<86 g/d), and high‑meat consumers (≥86 g/d), and group differences examined by logistic and linear regression. Non‑meat consumers were more often women, younger, and better educated, showing equal or better health traits and higher plant‑based food intake, while high‑meat consumers were more often men, younger/middle‑aged, less educated, had higher energy intake, ate more potatoes and sauces/spices, and fewer other foods, indicating that sociodemographic groups differ in meat consumption and associated health and dietary behaviours.

Abstract

Meat consumption in high-income countries is increasingly discussed due to its impact on environment and health as well as ethical considerations. The present paper aims to provide information on meat consumption behaviour, sociodemographic factors related to meat consumption and its associations with health and nutritional behaviour, based on the German National Nutrition Survey II. For 12 915 participants aged 18-80 years, food consumption was assessed by two 24-h recalls and further data by interviews. Participants were distinguished in non-meat consumers and meat consumers; meat consumers were further differentiated as low and high meat consumers (<86 g/d and ≥86 g/d). Group differences were analysed using binary logistic and linear regression models. More non-meat consumers were found among women, young and more educated persons. They showed equal or more preferable health characteristics, had a similar energy intake but ate more plant-based foods compared with meat consumers. More high meat consumers were found among men, young and middle-aged and lower-educated persons. Compared with low meat consumers, they showed equal or less preferable health characteristics, had a higher energy intake and ate more potatoes and sauces/spices and less of most other food groups in relation to their energy intake. To conclude, sociodemographic groups differ in their meat consumption and differences in meat consumption go together with differences in health behaviour and other food consumption.