Are Germans Giving Up Meat and Sausages? What Expats Should Know

Introduction

For generations, Germany's culinary identity has been closely tied to meat and sausages — Bratwurst, Currywurst, Schnitzel, and dozens of regional specialties have long defined what eating in Germany looks like. If you moved to Germany expecting to navigate a meat-heavy food culture, you may be noticing something different on supermarket shelves and restaurant menus. According to a recent report by DW, things are slowly changing — though meat and sausages remain popular.

For expats, understanding local food culture is part of settling in. Whether you follow a specific diet, are curious about what's available, or simply want to understand your neighbours and colleagues, this shift is worth paying attention to.

Germany's Relationship with Meat

Germany has historically ranked among Europe's largest consumers of meat and meat products. Sausages in particular — with hundreds of regional varieties — have been a cornerstone of German daily life, from breakfast tables to street food stalls and supermarket aisles.

For expats arriving from countries with different dietary norms, Germany's meat culture can be both a novelty and a challenge. Vegetarians and vegans have historically found it harder to navigate traditional German menus, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. However, the reported shift in habits suggests the landscape is evolving.

What Appears to Be Changing

DW's report suggests that while meat and sausages are still widely popular, German consumers are gradually reconsidering their diets. The reasons behind this shift are not fully detailed in the report, but broader European trends — including growing interest in plant-based eating, environmental awareness, and health considerations — are commonly cited factors in discussions about changing food habits across the continent.

For expats who prefer vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets, this gradual shift is likely good news. It tends to translate into more options in supermarkets, more plant-based menu items in restaurants, and greater social acceptance of non-meat dietary choices in everyday settings.

What This Means for Expats Day to Day

If you are new to Germany or planning to move here, here are some practical things to know about food culture and how it may be shifting:

• Supermarkets: Major German supermarket chains have significantly expanded their plant-based product ranges in recent years. You can generally find a wide variety of meat alternatives alongside traditional products.
• Restaurants: Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt have well-established vegetarian and vegan dining scenes. In smaller towns, options may be more limited, though menus have been broadening.
• Social settings: Food is central to German social life — workplace lunches, Grillabende (barbecue evenings), and family gatherings often revolve around meat dishes. Knowing this helps you navigate these situations, whether you eat meat or not.
• Traditional dishes: Even as habits evolve, traditional meat dishes remain deeply embedded in German culture, especially during festivals and regional celebrations. Understanding and appreciating this is part of integrating into daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to eat vegetarian or vegan in Germany?

It depends on where you live. In larger cities, vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets. In rural areas, options can be more limited, though the situation has been improving. Most German supermarkets stock a growing range of plant-based products.

Are traditional German sausages and meat dishes still a big part of daily life?

Yes — despite a reported gradual shift in habits, meat and sausages remain very popular in Germany. Traditional dishes are still common at home, in canteens, at festivals, and in restaurants. Change appears to be slow and incremental rather than dramatic.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Germany's food culture is evolving, and for expats, that is generally a positive development — particularly for those with dietary preferences or restrictions that differ from traditional German norms. Meat and sausages are not disappearing from German life anytime soon, but the slow shift means more choices and greater flexibility.

If you are moving to Germany, take time to explore local food culture — both the traditional side and the newer, more diverse options available in shops and restaurants. Understanding what and how Germans eat is one of the most enjoyable parts of integrating into everyday life here.

Source: DW English