According to the Vegamonitor 2019, an annual survey by Natuur & Milieu on Dutch eating habits, nearly six in ten people aged 16 and older (59%) identify as meat-eaters, while over a third (37%) consciously skip meat one or more days a week, calling themselves flexitarians. Vegetarians (2%), pescatarians (2%), and vegans (<1%) remain a small minority. More men than women label themselves meat-eaters (66% vs. 51%), whereas women are more likely to be flexitarians (42% vs. 32%), pescatarians (3% vs. <1%), or vegetarians (4% vs. 1%).Hot meals include meat more than half the week
Dutch adults eat meat with their hot meal an average of 4.6 days per week, while fish appears less than once a week. About 60% opt for a vegetarian main dish at least weekly, averaging over one per week. Vegan mains are rare, with 17% choosing them at least once weekly. Meat or fish often appears outside main meals—like breakfast, lunch, or snacks—on 3-4 days weekly. Other animal products (eggs, dairy) feature on more than half the days. Despite meat's prominence, 43% report eating less now than five years ago.
Fish tops the list as meat substitute
Those eating vegetarian or vegan mains at least once weekly most often replace meat with fish and shellfish (25%), followed by cheese (15%), ready-to-eat meat substitutes (13%), eggs (13%), and beans/legumes (11%). Among occasional meat-eaters, 70% would choose alternatives more if tastier, 69% if healthier, and 64% if cheaper. A wider range (64%) or indistinguishability from meat (61%) would also boost uptake for six in ten.
Half of Dutch view daily meat-eating as outdated
Nearly half (47%) agree that eating meat daily is passe. Among current meat-eaters (at least once weekly), 42% expect to cut back over the next five years. Broader shifts toward vegetarian/vegan options are anticipated. Gender gaps persist: Men eat meat more often with main meals (4.8 vs. 4.3 days) and snacks (3.8 vs. 3.3 days), and more believe daily meat is essential for health (24% vs. 13%).
