Food is an integral part of German culture, with different regions having their own unique dishes, ingredients and cooking styles. Germans have a long-standing reputation for being hearty eaters with big appetites and the nation has developed some iconic dishes that reflect the diversity of its population. The various types of German cuisine not only represent the country’s history but also give insight into its cultural values.

One of the most notable components of German food is its use of meat as a main ingredient in many dishes. For centuries, Germany has been known to produce high quality pork and beef products which are featured prominently in their traditional meals (Khan et al., 2020). This reflects a strong emphasis on sustainability among Germans who take great pride in utilizing all parts of animals such as cows, pigs or sheep when preparing meals. As well as purely consuming these meats or using them to supplement other ingredients like vegetables, Germans have also adopted techniques such as pickling or smoking to preserve them for longer periods (Lai & Yuen 2018). This practice highlights how thriftiness has become deeply embedded within the culture along with beliefs that food should be appreciated and respected by making efficient use out it.