Meat survey 2026: concerns about meat affordability

A growing share of Dutch people believe meat is not affordable for everyone. In 2024, 45 percent held that view; now 52 percent do. That finding comes from a special report on affordability and food security in the National Meat survey 2026. The report also gauges support for a strong Dutch meat industry.

Affordability and the role of government

In 2024, 23 percent believed meat was affordable for everyone. In the latest survey, that figure is 19 percent. The share giving a neutral response also fell, from 33 to 29 percent. Sixty-six percent believe policymakers should ensure meat remains affordable for people on lower incomes. Two years earlier, 71 percent held that view.

Support for Dutch meat

Seventy-three percent say meat will continue to have a place in the Dutch diet. Sixty-nine percent also believe the Netherlands should maintain a strong meat industry. That share is unchanged from the 2024 survey. Among respondents, 63 percent prefer Dutch meat. Two years earlier, that figure was 61 percent.

When asked about food security, 70 percent describe the Dutch food supply as vulnerable. In 2024, 62 percent gave the same answer.

The research was commissioned by organizations in the meat supply chain. For the survey, 2,606 adults completed an online questionnaire. The survey ran from May 1 through May 7, 2026. The researchers weighted the results by age, gender, and education level. The full Nationaal Vleesonderzoek 2026 will be published on September 29.

Vleesnl.nl