There is a declining trend in Austrian meat consumption. Two thirds of Austrians eat meat or sausage several times a week, this number will decrease compared to 2021. At the same time, the consumption of meat substitutes is increasing and there are fewer skeptics, according to an online survey of 1,000 Austrians by Integral market and opinion research commissioned by Iglo.
After the Christmas season and the turn of the year, New Year’s resolutions are on the agenda for many people. This often means consuming less meat and/or alcohol. The “vegan January” even has a name with Veganuary. In this country, meat and sausages form an important part of the food intake. Two-thirds of Austrians say they eat meat or sausage several times a week, and more than one in ten (twelve percent) do so almost every day. Larger households or households with children consume an above average amount of meat. Here, 74 percent eat meat at least several times a week. The age group of 18 to 29 years is below average at 56 percent.
More than one in four wants to eat less meat in the future
However, in general, meat consumption is declining in this country, as shown by data from Statistics Austria and other sources. This is also apparent from the Iglo trend study: in 2021 it was still 17 percent who ate meat almost daily. The share that eats meat several times a week has remained largely stable (2022: 54 percent, 2021: 53 percent). And when asked about future meat consumption, 27 percent say they want to eat less meat in the future and three percent even go so far as to want to do without it altogether.
Six out of ten respondents have already tried meat alternatives. 27 percent consume products from this range regularly, so at least a few times a month. An upward trend can be seen here compared to 2021 (24 percent). Especially the 18 to 29 year olds (48 percent) and the highly educated (34 percent) use meat alternatives. Not only is the share of those who regularly turn to products that are served instead of meat growing, the share of skeptics is also falling. In 2021 it was still 61 percent who ruled out consuming meat substitutes in the coming months, in 2022 that will be only 51 percent.
Those who use meat alternatives usually use ingredients that are then overcooked. Consider, for example, vegetarian alternatives to minced meat or other components. A full-fledged substitute for a meat product – such as a vegetarian sausage or a plant-based burger patty – is used by 23 percent. Ready meals with meat substitutes are consumed the least often (17 percent).
Meatless is also good for the climate
Reducing meat consumption also contributes to protecting the climate. A schnitzel on a plate has a major impact on the climate: a total of 15,500 liters of drinking water is needed to produce one kilo of beef. According to the statistics portal “Our World in Data”, this is 4,800 liters for pork and about 3,600 liters for poultry. The high environmental impact of meat production creates a vicious circle. Falling groundwater levels and thus a reduction in drinking water is just one of the many negative effects.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
