In a landscape where plant-based diets are gaining global acclaim for their health and environmental benefits, a recent study from the University of Auckland presents a contrasting picture in New Zealand.
The research, which delves into the dietary habits of Kiwi adults, indicates a strong preference for red meat, with vegetarianism and veganism being less common than previously thought.
The study, a meticulous analysis of data from the latest New Zealand Health Surveys, involved around 20,000 participants.
This research stands out for its detailed approach, asking respondents about their specific exclusion of animal products like red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or dairy – a methodological refinement over previous surveys.
Dr Kathryn Bradbury, the study’s lead researcher from the School of Population Health, pointed out a significant finding: the actual number of vegetarians in New Zealand is closer to 2% (about 100,000 people), a stark contrast to the 20% figure often cited in market research. Vegans make up even less of the population, falling below 1%.
The study’s revelation that 93% of New Zealand adults consume red meat underscores a notable deviation from the rising global trend of plant-based diets.
Dr Bradbury emphasised the importance of these findings, particularly in light of government dietary guidelines that advocate for a plant-centric diet supplemented with moderate animal-sourced foods.
The need for a comprehensive understanding of New Zealanders’ dietary patterns was also highlighted by Dr Ty Beal, a global nutrition and food system scientist, in a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand webinar. Beal discussed the nutritional balance of including animal-sourced foods in diets and the implications of their increased consumption.
Dr Bradbury further stressed the urgency for current, detailed dietary data to inform policies aimed at mitigating chronic diseases linked to diet in New Zealand.
This call for updated information echoes the broader need for a national nutrition survey to better align New Zealanders’ diets with recommended guidelines.
In summary, this study not only sheds light on the prevailing dietary preferences among New Zealand adults but also signals a need for updated nutritional data to guide public health policies. The findings reveal a significant lean towards red meat consumption, challenging the global narrative of a shift towards plant-based eating.
