News article, 30. September 2021

Analysis: The Danes’ meat consumption

What types of meat do the Danes eat and how many times per day does meat feature on the menu? A new survey has looked into the Danes’ meat consumption.

Photo: Danish Agriculture & Food Council

A new survey undertaken by the Danish Agriculture and Food Council’s Analysis Department compares data from various sources to examine Danes’ meat consumption.

Flexible approach to meat consumption will continue to be part of food culture

The analysis shows that a fifth of Danes want to reduce their meat consumption. However, this does not mean that they want to remove meat from their diet entirely. The Danes still think of meat as healthy and beneficial to the quality of life. Between 8 and 12 per cent of people follow a flexitarian diet. This reflects the fact that although keen to reduce their meat consumption, the Danes want to take a flexible approach to meat consumption and that meat will continue to be part of their food culture.

Beef and pork predominate

Beef and pork are the most popular proteins. When the Danes eat meat at dinnertime, one in three opt for pork or beef. The same patterns also apply to eating outside the home and take-aways, when beef is widely consumed.

*** The analysis was published on 31 August 2021. The database comprises source material from the following: the Danish Agriculture and Food Council’s Analysis Department, DTU Food Institute, Denmark Statistics, FAO, Euromonitor International and Global Data.

Post-Covid: Continued growth in online food purchases expected:

There has been a significant growth in online channels during the Covid-19 crisis. Growth has mainly been driven by new customers buying food online for the first time.
Consumers are focused on hygiene and health. There is also greater focus on meal plans and general food planning. Many barriers to online food have been removed by consumers who have tried the online channel.
In addition to health, convenience is the main driver for consumers (practical and time-saving).
Growth in on-line food is a global phenomenon and is expected to continue, both in Denmark and in important export markets.