Danes consume more than double recommended meat intake, study finds

A new study from the DTU Food Institute shows that Danes on average eat more than twice the amount of meat recommended by official dietary guidelines. The recommended maximum is 350 grams per week, but the average consumption stands at 805 grams, according to data published by DR.

Men in particular consume significantly more meat than women, and fatty meat accounts for the majority of intake. Among two out of three Danes, fatty meat — defined as containing at least 10 percent fat — makes up at least 60 percent of total meat eaten. Only poultry is predominantly consumed as lean meat.

Young and middle-aged men have the highest meat intake, with younger men eating mostly beef and veal while older men eat more pork. Among children, processed meat and cold cuts are the most common forms.

“Those who primarily eat fatty meat are to a large extent men, people with shorter education, and those who smoke more than those who primarily eat lean meat,” said Frida Viple, a scientific assistant at the institute.

Eating large amounts of fatty meat may have health consequences. Viple noted that consumers of fatty meat tend to have higher body mass index, larger waist circumference, and generally poorer dietary patterns.

The choice between lean and fatty meat is not only a matter of preference but is linked to lifestyle and social factors. “The results indicate that meat choice is closely tied to lifestyle and social factors. This highlights that dietary changes are not just about individual choices but also about frameworks and everyday habits,” said senior researcher Anja Biltoft-Jensen from the DTU Food Institute in a press release.

The researchers also found that Danes’ eating habits have remained remarkably stable. “We published a report ten years ago on the same topic, and we can see that ten years later not much has changed despite increased focus on climate and sustainability,” Viple said.

The new report is based on data from 2021 to 2024 and includes 3,824 participants aged four to 80.