The Dutch eat less and less meat

More than 5 million Dutch people eat no or only occasionally meat. This is 36% of the whole of the Netherlands. This group has grown by 7% since 2016. This is evident from the second edition of the Smart Food Monitor, a large-scale survey conducted by Multiscope among 7,300 Dutch people.

Young people, women and singles

The group that eats no or occasionally meat has a clear profile. Women (43%) skip a piece of meat more often than men (29%). The same applies to singles (46%) compared to couples living together (35%) and families (28%). Young people more often decide not to eat meat at all. 18 to 34-year-olds (7%) are vegetarian or vegan more often than people over 50 (3%). Two out of three Dutch people (64%) still eat meat almost every day. This group consists mainly of men and families.

Consumers more aware of food

A quarter of all Dutch people (24%) are healthier and more conscious when eating and drinking compared to a year ago. They have also reduced their snacks (18%) and started drinking less alcohol (11%). The majority (72%) deal differently with food and drink out of their own motivation. Among women (76%) this intrinsic motivation is stronger than among men (67%).

Health and quality most important

Becoming more aware of nutrition is therefore expressed in the consumer's choices. Health (75%) and quality (75%) are the most important criteria when choosing food and drink. Two out of five Dutch people indicate that the environment (41%) also plays a role in the choice process. Health and environment are more important for women than for men.