Food consumption in the Czech Republic fell last year to 788 kilograms per capita, marking a reduction of approximately 12 kilograms compared to the previous year.
According to data from the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ), Czechs consumed less milk, cheese, butter, pork, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Conversely, they increased their intake of baked goods, pasta, beef, and poultry.
Key changes in consumption include:
- Milk: Per capita consumption of drinking milk dropped by 1.6 liters to 56.2 liters.
- Cheese: Average consumption decreased by 0.5 kilograms, now at 13.3 kilograms annually.
- Butter: The high price of butter likely contributed to a decrease in consumption, from six kilograms per capita in 2020 to 4.9 kilograms in 2023.
- Pork: Per capita pork consumption fell by 2.2 kilograms, averaging 41.8 kilograms annually.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetable consumption slightly declined to 87.2 kilograms per person, while fruit consumption saw a more significant drop of 2.2 kilograms, reaching 85.2 kilograms.
- Salt: Average salt consumption declined to 4.1 kilograms per person, a significant reduction from over six kilograms in 2011.
Renata Vodíčková from ČSÚ highlighted that overall food consumption decreased for the second consecutive year, reversing the growth trend observed from 2012 to 2021. During that period, food consumption peaked at a record 825 kilograms per capita.
The changes reflect shifting dietary habits in the Czech Republic, influenced by factors such as price increases and evolving consumer preferences.
