Europe’s appetite for change

So why all the fuss? Europe is not only known for its rich history and cultural diversity, but recently also for its experimental attitude towards plant-based nutrition. The reasons are as varied as its countries:

• Health on a plate: „A plant-based diet could save up to 8 million lives by 2050,“ claims a study by the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food. In Germany and the UK, for example, it is not just hipsters who are changing their diet, but people of all ages, lured by the promise of a longer, healthier life.
  
  
• A green footprint: accounting for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, animal production is not exactly environmentally friendly according to the FAO. In Eastern Europe, countries such as the Czech Republic and Hungary are therefore beginning to rediscover the value of lentils and beans – not only for the palate, but also for sustainable developments on our planet.
  
  
• Culinary curiosity: The joy of experimenting with plant-based ingredients has ushered in a new era of culinary creativity in Europe. „Who would have thought that pea protein could taste so good?“ some people might ask. At Velivery, we offer you the right products and recipes.

Europe’s vegan kaleidoscope

Each country brings its own flavour to the big vegan pot:

• France:
  In the country where 1000 cheeses reign supreme, cheese producers are now experimenting with cashews to emulate the creamy texture of Camembert. Sales of plant-based cheese alternatives have skyrocketed in recent times. A clear sign that even the „Nation de Fromage“ is open to change. Find out more about France’s cuisine and its vegan treasures here.
  

• Germany:
  The German Nutrition Society has set new standards in 2024 with the recommendation that at least 75% of the diet should be plant-based. A clear signal for change in a country that was once known for its love of sausage and schnitzel. Of course, you can find great alternatives to schnitzel, roasts and sausages here again.
  
  
• Scandinavia:
  In countries such as Sweden and Denmark, known for their sustainable lifestyles, veganism is becoming increasingly popular. Sweden is not only at the forefront of pop music and design, it is also a leader in the development and consumption of plant-based drinks and meat alternatives. Denmark’s capital Copenhagen has quickly become a hotspot for vegan gastronomy, with restaurants offering everything from plant-based smørrebrød to gourmet menus.
  

• Southern Europe:
  Italy and Spain, with their deep-rooted culinary traditions, are also experiencing a green wave. Italy, the land of pasta and pizza, now offers a wide range of creative plant-based alternatives that will win over even the most die-hard gourmets. Italy’s South Tyrol region now also has a green heart.
  In Spain, which admittedly still occupies one of the last places in vegan Europe, more and more plant-based options are mingling with the tapas. And plant-based versions of traditional dishes such as paella have been given a green slant on the menu.
  
  
• Eastern Europe: Poland, traditionally known for its hearty cuisine, is experiencing a boom in vegan restaurants. The number of vegans and vegetarians there has doubled in recent years – a sign that plant-based products are no longer just a marginal phenomenon there either.

• Great Britain: Across the Emglish Channel, the UK has become a pioneer of the plant-based movement. The UK is already considered the pioneering country for vegetarians, who now make up around 6% to 10% of the population, depending on the statistics. And London is regarded as one of the leading cities for vegan catering worldwide – everything from vegan fish and chips to ethically produced plant-based “steaks” is available here.
  The island proves that the movement knows no boundaries. The proportion of vegans is 2%. This makes Great Britain very similar to Germany.
  One special feature, however, is certainly the great influence of different national cuisines, such as Indian cuisine, which traditionally offers many vegan and vegetarian dishes.
  India itself has a vegetarian population of almost 40%! And people who follow a vegan diet also make up almost 10% of this subcontinent. This is why the Flavors of India are so popular in plant-based cuisine.

• Southeast Europe:  Even in the Balkan countries, where meat plays a central role in the diet, interest in a plant-based diet is growing. Countries such as Croatia and Greece, with their abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, are integrating more and more plant-based alternatives into their traditional cuisines, which is delighting tourists and locals alike.

What began as a trend has developed into a movement that is supported by millions. This change is not only a sign of growing environmental awareness and a responsible approach to animals and the planet’s resources, but also proof of Europe’s culinary innovation. With a pinch of humour and a large portion of creativity, the future of European cuisine will definitely be green and tasty. Because behind all the numbers are great recipes and a kaleidoscope of flavours as diverse as the countries of our continent.

So as Europe moves from cheese lovers to chickpea fans, one question remains unanswered: What will be the next big thing in Europe’s green cuisine? Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated!