155 years of margarine: popular and healthy butter replacement in German kitchens

155 years of margarine: popular and healthy butter replacement in German kitchens

Margarine: An alternative and healthy choice in 155 years

The invention of the Margarine marks the 155th anniversary on July 15th. This herbal alternative to butter has found a permanent place in German households since its patent application in 1869. Despite the increasing interest in healthy and natural foods, Margarine remains popular. Last year, 136,000 tons of margarine were sold in Germany alone, while organic products were hardly in demand.

Originally Margarine consisted of Rindertalg and Sommee milk, but healthier vegetable oils were used over time. Today Margarine consists largely of vegetable oil, has little cholesterol and contains many unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, it is considered a healthy and versatile alternative to butter in our kitchens. With their low price, Margarine is a popular food even in times of high inflation and increasing consumer prices.

This is also confirmed by the sales figures. In 2023, a total of 412,000 tons of string fats were bought in Germany. Of these, 49 percent of butter, followed by Margarine with 33 percent and string mixing fats with 18 percent. Both full fat and fat-reduced margarine was in demand.

Although healthy nutrition and organic products are becoming increasingly important, organic prank fats seem to be little observed by consumers. For five years, their share has remained between two and three percent unchanged. Last year, only about 10,000 tons of organic jacks were bought.

The numbers are based on an analysis of the Information Society (AMI) and the GfK household panel. It is clear that German consumers continue to prefer margarine as a reliable and inexpensive alternative, while organic creation fats still have a difficult stand.