Vegetarianism is gaining ground in Greece – 10% systematically avoid meat

Traditional *creationist* views are facing growing competition from *vegetarianism*. A recent survey found that over 40% of Greeks still opt for a meat-based main dish regularly, while 10% now consistently avoid such options, indicating a gradual evolution in *food habits*.

Additionally, many consumers feel that restaurant menus *lack* variety when it comes to vegetarian choices for main meals. Nearly 30% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the limited *vegetarian options*, which tend to be restricted to appetizers and salads, leaving a significant gap at main meal offerings.

The survey followed the successful *“Veg. Contest Thessaloniki 2024 – The Gastronomy of the City is Changing”* and aimed to capture the event’s impact on the Thessaloniki public’s culinary preferences. Conducted by the *Hellenic Vegetarian Association (HellasVeg)* in 2024, this primary survey was co-funded by the *European Vegetarian Union (EVU)* and executed by *KANDAR S.A.E.*, involving *750 participants* from across *Greece* while ensuring a diverse representation based on gender, age, and location.

In terms of the contest’s reach and public awareness, social media played a crucial role: *65% of respondents* were unaware of the event. Conversely, among the 35% who knew about it, nearly half learned of the contest via digital platforms, underscoring the significant influence of online media.

Local engagement in the competition was notably high. Despite the nationwide scope of the survey, over 30% of Thessaloniki respondents said they actively participated in evaluating one or more of the 67 vegetarian dishes showcased by 25 local restaurants, reflecting a strong local interest.

This underscores a robust local presence. “The *Veg. Contest Thessaloniki 2024* marked a pivotal initiative in promoting plant-based nutrition in Greece, allowing Thessaloniki restaurants to innovate through exciting plant-based culinary experiments. The survey results affirm the demand for more diverse and high-quality vegetarian options in the restaurant industry,” HellasVeg stated.

During the contest, consumers chose the best vegetarian dishes from restaurants in Thessaloniki after participating in more than 800 evaluations between March 11 and May 4, 2024. In total, *over 60 vegan and vegetarian dishes* from 25 local restaurants were in the running. The public’s enthusiasm was palpable, with HellasVeg’s vegetarian map receiving over 16,000 visits during the event.

On July 16th, the site attracted *16.16 million visitors*, further indicating widespread interest.