Meat Consumption in Sweden Hits Record Low

The Swedish Board of Agriculture’s recently released statistics reveal that Swedish residents consumed a record-low amount of meat in 2017. The report shows that Swedes consumed 2.2 kilograms (4.8 pounds) less meat per capita last year than in 2016, representing the largest annual decline in meat consumption since 1990. While the report cites that Swedes are consuming more Sweden-produced meat in smaller amounts, it also points to other factors that have contributed to the overall decline of meat consumption in the country. “There are many reasons for the reduced consumption of meat, but the [vegan] trend, climate debate, health aspects, and ethical reasons are some,” agricultural investigator Åsa Lannhard Öberg said. Residents across the Nordic region have recently expressed an interest in vegan food options, including McDonald’s newly added McVegan burger—which sold 150,000 units in Finland and Sweden in January, its first month on the fast-food chain’s menu.