© Adobe Stock
October 29, 2025
Birgitta Dunckel
Flexitarians predominantly eat plant-based but don't completely give up meat. Why this relaxed dietary trend is booming in 2026 and how to get started – all the info here!
Find a DoctorSearch the network for suitable specialists and contact them directly
Flexitarianism is considered an important dietary trend for the year 2026. More and more people are choosing to reduce their meat consumption without becoming completely vegetarian or vegan. Flexitarians primarily focus on a plant-based diet rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, but occasionally supplemented with high-quality meat or fish.
Flexitarianism is an expression of a societal shift towards greater health, sustainability, and self-determination.
The term flexitarian combines 'flexible' and 'vegetarian.' A flexitarian diet means that animal products are not completely eliminated from the menu, but their proportion is significantly reduced. While vegetarians completely avoid meat and fish, flexitarians consciously consume them only occasionally – for example, two to three days a week or on special occasions.
For many people, this is a practical way to eat less meat without having to give it up entirely. This creates a form of nutrition that remains practical in everyday life and has positive effects on the body and the environment.
The 'Trend Report Nutrition 2025,' published by Nutrition Hub in collaboration with the Federal Center for Nutrition (BZfE), the Dr. Rainer-Wild Foundation, EIT Food Region West, and the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Heilbronn, clearly shows: Flexitarianism is the dietary form with the greatest growth potential. 82 percent of the experts surveyed see the trend continuing to rise. It is evident that it is about an enjoyable evolution. Instead of strict prohibitions, more and more people are opting for a relaxed mix: plenty of plant-based foods, but occasionally a piece of meat – without any guilt.
• Health aspects
• Sustainability
• Animal welfare
• Social acceptance
Flexitarians benefit from the nutrients in plant-based foods such as fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory effects and strengthen the immune system. At the same time, flexitarianism allows for the intake of important nutrients like iron, zinc, or omega-3 fatty acids through fish or meat in moderate amounts.
Studies show that people with a high proportion of plant-based foods have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Body weight can often be more easily regulated since plant-based foods usually contain fewer calories for the same satiety. Occasional meat consumption ensures that important nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron remain readily available – an advantage over a strictly vegan diet.
A major reason why more and more people are becoming flexitarians is concern for the environment. Meat production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water pollution. Those who reduce meat consumption contribute to lowering environmental impact and conserving resources.
Many flexitarians consciously oppose factory farming. They buy meat less frequently, focusing more on quality, origin, and animal welfare. This makes consumption not only healthier but also more ethically responsible.
Compared to a purely vegetarian diet, flexibility is retained, making the transition easier.
Unlike vegetarians, flexitarians are (still) little known in this country. Nevertheless, many people – often without knowing it – are flexitarians. According to a Forsa study commissioned by the Vegetarian Association of Germany (VEBU), there are around 42 million part-time vegetarians in Germany. In this survey, flexitarians were defined as people who abstain from meat at least three days a week.
This makes flexitarians the largest group within modern nutritional trends. Particularly women and the under-30 age group tend to eat flexitarian more often. The food industry is responding accordingly: supermarkets, restaurants, and start-ups are developing more and more offerings specifically for part-time vegetarians, from creative vegetable dishes to innovative meat alternatives.
Getting started with the 2025 nutritional trend is simple. If you want to eat flexitarian, you can follow these steps:
1. Plan meat-free days: Just three days a week without meat are enough to be considered a flexitarian.
2. Quality over quantity: When consuming meat, choose organic, regional, and humanely raised options.
3. Make use of plant-based diversity: Legumes, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables form the basis of the diet.
4. Enjoy consciously: Meat becomes a special highlight, not an everyday product.
