A report from the Swedish Board of Agriculture outlines key changes in food consumption patterns over the past four decades, highlighting shifts in preferences and dietary habits:
- Milk and Dairy Products
Milk consumption has dropped dramatically, more than halving from 160.3 liters to 62.8 liters per person annually. Fermented dairy products like yogurt have seen a slight increase of just over 3%, while cheese consumption has risen by 34%, reaching 18.7 kilograms per person annually. - Fruit and Berries
Consumption initially increased by 32% between 1980 and 2015 but has since declined to levels similar to those in 1980, averaging 82.4 kilograms per person in 2023. - Meat
Total meat consumption has increased by 25% since 1980, reaching 79.1 kilograms per person annually, though there has been a decline in the past five years. Poultry consumption has grown the most, rising more than fourfold. - Sweets and Beverages
Direct sugar consumption has dropped by 75%, but the consumption of chocolate, confectionery, soft drinks, and cider has surged. Candy consumption is 67% higher than in 1980, and soft drink consumption has grown by a third. - Fats
Fat consumption has decreased by 31% since 1980, now at 14.1 kilograms per person annually, though this decline has leveled off in recent years.
A shift from raw ingredients to more processed foods is evident across food groups, including potatoes, bread, cereals, and dairy. The trends show a movement away from traditional foods toward processed products, reflecting broader dietary changes in Sweden.
Read the report HERE