Munich Residents Ditch Meat for Beans, Lentils, Dairy Alternatives

More Munich households bought chickpeas and lentils last month than in the same period a year earlier, according to sales data from the city's main produce markets.

The change reflects rising interest in plant proteins among people who attend regular wellness events in the city and want options that fit daily routines without relying on meat. Local nutrition programs have noted the trend since early 2025, when several districts expanded cooking classes focused on non-meat sources.

Markets and stores in Schwabing and Haidhausen

Shoppers at Viktualienmarkt on a recent weekday found bulk bins of red lentils priced at 2.40 euros per kilogram and canned white beans at 1.10 euros each. A short walk from the market, the Basic supermarket on Türkenstrasse in Schwabing stocks fresh tofu and tempeh delivered three times a week from a supplier in Lower Bavaria. In Haidhausen, the weekly farmers market on Wiener Platz offers locally grown peas and fava beans from producers who set up stalls every Thursday morning.

These outlets participate in the Münchner Volkshochschule nutrition workshops that began in March 2026 and run through October at the Gasteig cultural centre. Participants receive printed lists of current prices and simple recipes that combine the items with common pantry staples.

Practical steps for residents

A 2025 report from the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety recorded that 28 percent of adults in Munich now meet daily protein targets with at least two plant-based meals per day. The same document listed average household spending on legumes at 4.80 euros weekly, down from 6.20 euros in 2023 due to wider availability.

Anyone starting the switch can begin with one dish this week, such as a lentil salad from ingredients bought at Viktualienmarkt, then check the next Volkshochschule session schedule posted on the city website for hands-on guidance.