Saying Goodbye to the Currywurst Craze: Healthier Eating on the Rise in Canteens
Sausage with Curry Flavor Loses Favor in Cafeterias
In a surprising turn of events, the once-reigning king of canteen cuisine, the Currywurst, is now struggling to make it to the top 3. International and vegetarian dishes are taking center stage, leaving German classics like the Currywurst in the dust.
Since its reign as the most popular dish in Apetito canteens until 2019, the Currywurst with fries has slid down to fourth place. Apetito CEO Jan-Peer Laabs attributes this decline to the growing trend towards conscious and healthier eating. He explains, "International or vegetarian dishes are becoming increasingly popular, making it more challenging for German classics like the Currywurst." Despite this trend, the Currywurst will still hold a spot in the top 10, promising to remain a staple in canteen offerings.
This year, Spaghetti Bolognese reclaimed the top spot, followed by the delicious rice dish, Chicken Korma, and the delightful Bami Goreng noodle dish. Vegetarian dishes, such as Cheese Spätzle and vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese, also made it to the top 5.
When it comes to kindergartens and schools, Apetito supplies food and operates school cafeterias. There, vegetarian fare is the main attraction, with the vegetarian lentil soup taking the number one spot, followed by the vegetarian Spaghetti Bolo and vegetable ravioli. Only two meat dishes, fish sticks and chicken fricassee, make it into the top 10, featuring in fourth and fifth place respectively.
Upon being asked about the consumption of meat in children, Jan-Peer Laabs explains that municipalities and other clients determine the menu themselves. He notes that in many tenders, it is specified that there should only be fish or meat once or twice a week, with quality standards from the German Society for Nutrition serving as a guideline. Interestingly, children and young people are more accepting of vegetarian food compared to older generations, who still prefer traditional meat dishes.
Seniors, on the other hand, continue to embrace meat, as evident in Apetito's statistics of the most frequently sold dishes in senior facilities. Beef roulade with potatoes and red cabbage holds the top spot, followed by pea soup with sausages and beef and bean stew. However, the taste for adventure and vegetarian food among seniors is also growing, reports Laabs.
Apetito, one of the largest canteen operators and convenience food producers in Germany, achieved a turnover of around 1.35 billion euros in the previous year with approximately 12,649 employees. The profit was not disclosed.
Trends towards sustainability, health, and vegetarianism are increasingly shaping the German canteen landscape, particularly among younger generations. Environmental awareness, health benefits, policy and education initiatives, cultural shifts, and the availability and accessibility of vegetarian options are driving this change.
Educational institutions and government policies are promoting healthy eating and sustainable food systems, with initiatives such as school meal programs aiming to provide nutritious food and support plant-based diets. Social media platforms also play a crucial role in influencing younger people's dietary choices by showcasing appealing and healthy food options, including vegetarian and vegan meals.
Younger generations, who prioritize sustainability and health, are more likely to adopt vegetarian options. Early exposure to healthy eating through school meals can shape dietary preferences and habits for a lifetime. It's a promising sign that the future of canteen cuisine in Germany is leaning towards a healthier, more sustainable direction.
- In the evolving landscape of German canteens, trends toward sustainability, health, and vegetarianism are increasingly dominant, particularly among younger populations.
- Environmental awareness, health benefits, policy and education initiatives, cultural shifts, and the availability and accessibility of vegetarian options are driving this change.
- Vocational training programs focusing on nutrition and health-and-wellness, such as workplace-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, could play a significant role in cultivating a healthier generation, promoting personal growth and education-and-self-development.
- The rise of vegetarian dishes in schools and canteens, like vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese and lentil soup, demonstrates the power of community policy and education initiatives in shaping dietary preferences and promoting a healthier society.
