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Do People in the Land of Salmon Eat Fish? Product Prices Decide Everything
Income differences are increasingly affecting the quality of purchased food. Fot. Fotolia/Royalty-Free
The latest data from the Norwegian Directorate of Health show clear changes in the daily dietary choices of the country's residents. Norwegians are eating more vegetables, and red meat consumption has dropped to its lowest level in 25 years. The report highlights difficulties related to the consumption of fish and seafood.
In an NRK report, a customer at one of the stores admits he is trying to eat healthier. He says that articles about ultra-processed foods prompted him to change. Now, vegetables dominate his shopping basket, although he used to eat far too few.
He declares that he will prepare meals at home more often. This approach fits with the changes observed in Norwegian society.
He declares that he will prepare meals at home more often. This approach fits with the changes observed in Norwegian society.
Vegetables Up, Red Meat Down
The Directorate of Health report states that in 2024, Norwegians ate an average of 77.7 kg of vegetables per person. That's 5.6 kg more than the previous year, although slightly less than the 78.6 kg recorded in 2014.
Red meat consumption dropped to 45.5 kg per person, the lowest level in 25 years. Sugar consumption has also decreased. The Director of the Directorate of Health, Cathrine M. Lofthus, emphasizes that a greater share of vegetables in the diet is an important pro-health change.
Red meat consumption dropped to 45.5 kg per person, the lowest level in 25 years. Sugar consumption has also decreased. The Director of the Directorate of Health, Cathrine M. Lofthus, emphasizes that a greater share of vegetables in the diet is an important pro-health change.
Fish, although a symbol of Norway, are losing out to high prices.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Fish and Fruit in Decline
The situation is worse for fish and seafood. Compared to 2014, their consumption has dropped by 18 percent, and in 2024 it fell by another 2 percent. Fruit and berries are also being eaten less.
Store customers point out that fresh fish is expensive and takes more time to prepare. Many admit they opt for cheaper ready-made or processed products.
Store customers point out that fresh fish is expensive and takes more time to prepare. Many admit they opt for cheaper ready-made or processed products.
Prices Shape Food Choices
Lofthus points out that the price and availability of products are key to what ends up in shopping baskets. She notes that products considered healthy are becoming more expensive, while less healthy ones are getting cheaper.
Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre emphasizes that the decline in fish consumption is particularly worrying in a country that is a major producer. He points out that people with higher incomes have more freedom of choice, which leads to differences in access to healthy food.
Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre emphasizes that the decline in fish consumption is particularly worrying in a country that is a major producer. He points out that people with higher incomes have more freedom of choice, which leads to differences in access to healthy food.
Norwegian data present a complex picture of dietary changes. Alongside growing interest in vegetables, there are challenges related to fish, fruit, and the rising costs of healthy products. The Directorate of Health announces continued monitoring of trends, which may again change the picture of the Norwegian diet in the coming years.
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