Per capita consumption of food products in Germany 1900 and 2022

German food consumption levels have certainly changed across the board between 1900 and 2022. Figures that immediately catch the eye are potato consumption amounts: 271 kilos per person in 1900 and 56 kilos in 2022.

Food on the table

The changes we see in this statistic have been influenced by numerous factors in the last 100 years. Broader developments include the advancement of German food manufacturing and retail, local agriculture, as well as trade expansion with other countries and more imports. Among the population, lifestyle and health considerations, which develop in line with available information and research, are also instrumental.

Spice of life

Germany has always had a strong dairy industry, with ensuing product popularity, so it might not be surprising that more milk, butter and cheese are consumed today than at the beginning of the century. On the other hand, potatoes are not the diet staple they once were, and obviously the variety of vegetables sold today simply means the consumer has options. The latter is generally true for today’s consumers: the German food market offers plenty of choice.