Survey: Majority of Young People Find Fasting Meaningful - Germans embrace meat-free Lent in 2026 as health trends reshape traditions

Lent in 2026 will start on February 18, lasting for 46 days. Many Germans are already planning to give up certain habits, with candy, alcohol, and meat topping the list of sacrifices. A recent survey reveals shifting attitudes towards fasting, especially among younger and more educated groups.

Over half of Germans—52%—say they would stop eating meat during Lent. Nearly as many, 48%, would quit smoking for the same period. These figures reflect a growing interest in dietary and lifestyle changes during the religious season.

The trend is particularly strong among younger people. Some 85% of Germans under 30 see fasting as meaningful, and 66% in this age group could imagine giving up meat. Meanwhile, 75% of those with a university degree view fasting as a health-conscious choice.

Across all age groups, 70% of Germans believe fasting benefits their health. However, no public data exists on how many actually abstained from alcohol, candy, or meat in the past five years. The survey does not compare these findings to previous years either.

The 2026 Lent season will see many Germans cutting back on candy, alcohol, and meat. Younger and more educated groups appear especially open to the idea. While health benefits remain a key motivation, actual participation rates in recent years remain unrecorded.