Less Meat on the Table: Findings from the German Socio-Economic Panel 2016–2022

Abstract

Based on the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), this article investigates the recent development of meat consumption in Germany and selected socio-demographic determinants of meat-related dietary habits. In line with official data, the SOEP shows a downward trend in the frequency of meat consumption and an upward trend in self-reported vegetarianism for 2016–2022. Women, the better educated, singles, urban residents, and supporters of the Green Party eat meat less often. The effects of age and income are inconsistent. Looking at changes over time, we find that those groups that already had lower meat consumption in 2016 have continued to reduce it.