Currywurst vs Healthier Choices: A Shift in Canteen Favorites?
Sausage with curry seasoning is experiencing a decline in popularity within school cafeterias.
Once a staple, currywurst is now sliding down the popularity charts in German canteens. After ranking as the top choice by Apetito until 2019, it dropped to third place and has continued to decline. In 2024, it wasn't even on the imaginary podium, primarily due to the growing trend towards wellness and healthier eating, as revealed by Apetito CEO Jan-Peer Laabs.
International and vegetarian dishes are increasingly taking center stage, pushing German classics like currywurst aside. Despite this challenge, currywurst will still hold a place in the top 10, as Laabs says, "It might be on a downward spiral, but currywurst will continue to be a mainstay in canteen offerings."
Spaghetti Bolognese reclaimed the top spot, followed by Chicken Korma rice dish and the Bami Goreng noodle dish. Vegetarian options, such as cheese spaetzle and vegetarian spaghetti Bolognese, even made it into the top 5.
In kindergartens and schools supplied by Apetito, where vegetarian food is significantly more consumed, vegetarian lentil soup reigns supreme, followed by vegetarian spaghetti Bolo and vegetable ravioli. Only fish or meat dishes like fish sticks and chicken fricassee make it into the top 10.
When asked about the low consumption of meat among children, Laabs noted that municipalities and clients determine the menu themselves. Many tenders stipulate that fish or meat should only appear once or twice a week, following guidelines from the German Society for Nutrition (DGE). Remarkably, children seem to accept vegetarian food without any trouble.
The story's different among seniors, who prefer more traditional meat options, according to Laabs. However, openness to new options and more vegetarian diets is also increasing among the elderly.
Apetito, one of Germany's largest canteen operators and convenience food manufacturers, saw an 8.5 percent increase in revenue in 2023, reaching 1.35 billion euros with 12,649 employees. Despite their success, the profit was not disclosed.
While the trend towards healthier eating might impact food preferences, findings indicate that currywurst remains available in German canteens. The shift towards diverse options may be dictated by broader societal trends and consumer preferences.
- Nutrition
- Vegetarian Diet
Further Reading: [Sources]
- Health Concerns and Dietary Changes: Increased interest in health and wellness may shape dietary choices among consumers, leading to a shift away from traditional, high-calorie foods, such as currywurst.
- Continued Production and Consumption: Despite potential declining popularity, numerous Currywurst sausages are produced and sold, particularly in factory settings and stadiums. This suggests the dish remains popular in certain contexts.
- Diverse Consumer Preferences: Given the wide array of food preferences among Germans and globally, canteens may adjust their offerings to accommodate both traditional and healthier choices, such as maintaining currywurst while introducing options like vegetarian lentil soup.
- In light of the growing trend towards health and wellness, Apetito, a leading canteen operator, has noticed an increased interest in vegetarian diet among consumers, resulting in a shift away from traditional, high-calorie foods like Currywurst.
- It's worth noting that while Currywurst might be declining in popularity in canteens, its production continues, particularly in factory settings and stadiums, suggesting it remains popular in certain contexts.
