SHIFTING PROTEIN CONSUMPTION PATTERNS - INSIGHTS FROM ROMANIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

Abstract

The structure of protein consumption has significant implications for public
health, food security, and environmental sustainability. This study provides a comparative analysis of the percentage contribution of various protein sources to total per capita protein intake in Romania and its neighboring countries - Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine - over the past three decades. The research examines the proportional contributions of five key protein sources: vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, eggs, and milk. The starting point of 1992 was selected due to the increased availability of  harmonized, reliable data following the post-communist transition and the onset of structural reforms across Eastern Europe. The results reveal substantial disparities in dietary protein patterns across countries and over time. Notably, Romania and Moldova maintained relatively high shares of plant-based protein consumption, while Hungary exhibited consistently higher proportions of animal-based protein, particularly from meat and eggs. An upward trend in fish-derived protein is observable in Moldova and Ukraine, signaling a possible shift in dietary preferences or availability. These findings contribute to the broader debate on sustainable diets in Central and Eastern Europe, offering insights for policymakers seeking to balance nutritional needs with environmental and socioeconomic considerations.