What is the Proportion of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets in Germany? A Review of the Current Study

The figures for the proportion of vegetarian and vegan diets in the German population vary considerably. To investigate the reasons for this, representative studies of adults from the period 2005-2022 were analyzed. In the 38 surveys identified, the proportions ranged from 0.96% to 11.2% for vegetarian diets and from 0% to 3.2% for vegan diets, with an increase over time. Higher proportions of vegetarian diets are found, especially when the data are not clearly differentiated from those for pescetarian and flexitarian diets. To ensure robust and comparable data, future studies should be designed in particular to ensure that dietary habits are clearly recorded using clearly defined answer options, and that control questions on consumption allow for correction of self-classifications.