Majority of Dutch Citizens Support Shift to Plant-Based Diets
Utrecht, Friday, 3 January 2025.
A ProVeg Netherlands study reveals strong Dutch support for plant-based diets, highlighting sustainability and potential CO2 reductions by 30% if meat consumption decreases.
Key Findings from the Kieskompas Study
The research, conducted by Kieskompas and commissioned by ProVeg Netherlands, reveals that two-thirds of Dutch citizens support transitioning to more plant-based diets [1]. The support spans across different demographics, including age groups, political viewpoints, and regions [1]. Young people show particularly strong interest, with 20% expressing a desire to give up meat entirely, compared to 16% of the general population [1][2]. Currently, 2% of the Dutch population identifies as vegan [1].
Environmental and Ethical Motivations
The study identified several key motivators for Dutch citizens considering reduced animal product consumption. The primary reasons cited were reducing animal suffering, preventing deforestation, avoiding species extinction, and protecting wild fish populations [1]. If all respondents who expressed interest in reducing meat consumption followed through, it would result in a 30% reduction in Dutch meat consumption, potentially saving 1.6 megatons of CO2 annually [1].
Current Consumption Patterns and Government Targets
Despite growing interest in plant-based options, animal products still dominate Dutch diets, with 61% of protein consumption being animal-based [1]. However, positive changes are already visible in the market, as supermarket sales of animal meat have decreased by 16.4% since 2020 [1]. The Dutch government has set an ambitious target for a 50/50 ratio of plant-based versus animal proteins by 2030 [1].
Future Implementation and Support
Pablo Moleman, strategic director of ProVeg Netherlands, emphasizes that the existing desire for plant-based food consumption is substantial [1]. He notes that rather than forcing changes, the focus should be on helping people act on their existing intentions: ‘It is up to NGOs, governments, and companies to help this group to turn their desire into behaviour’ [1]. This approach aligns with broader research showing that sustainable healthy diets can have positive impacts on both environmental and health outcomes [3].