The history of plant proteins across Europe is a complicated and diverse one. Geographic and time trends of EU-28 countries suggest that many countries, traditionally reliant upon diets rich in plant proteins, substantially reduced their consumption and production from the 1960s to the turn of the millennium.
These trends appear to have been influenced by socio-economic and cultural conditions. EU-28 policies may have encouraged production of these crops, especially over the last 15 years. However, factors including support offered to other crops, variable yields and low prices may have limited the expanse of their cultivation over the past few decades.
Dietary protein from plants in Europe has been increasingly replaced by animal proteins, as observed by their consumption and production since 1961. This pattern of transition towards higher meat-dependence is evident globally. However, recent changes across some European countries suggest the beginning of a shift back towards plant and away from meat protein consumption; stemming from health concerns, economics and consumers choice.
Figure 1. Per capita consumption of protein crops included within Protein2Food in EU-28 countries.