Every fourth Latvian resident considers reducing the amount of meat in their diet or becoming a vegetarian or vegan, as stated in the latest Maxima survey.
What is particularly interesting is that the largest proportion of such residents is found in Riga and Latgale. At the same time, 55% of respondents have no plans to change their eating habits, 5% have plans to expand on the types of meat in their diet, and 6% have plans to reduce the amount of meat in their diet.
52% of respondents say they sometimes replace meat with alternative products: fish (87.5%), mushrooms (55%) and legumes (51.5%).
In regards to vegetarianism and veganism, 33% of respondents said it was a lifestyle, where as 42% believe northern nations should not reject meat and meat products.
It should be said that 26% of respondents have noticed that such a lifestyle would be expensive, whereas 21% believe being a vegan/vegetarian is popular. Thinking long-term, 37% of respondents say vegetarianism and veganism is an unhealthy lifestyle. 18% of respondents have the impression that being a vegan/vegetarian is hard, because there is a small assortment of goods in stores for such lifestyles.
“Although the number of residents who believe meat is a vital part of everyday meals remains dominant, vegetarianism/veganism as a lifestyle continue becoming more popular in Latvia. We should respect people’s choice and expand the range of products that can replace animal products,” says Maxima Latvija Business Analysis Department manager Zane Kaktina. (BNN/Business World Magazine)