Favorite breads of the Germans

Preferably dark and hearty

Bread and bread products play an important role in daily nutrition. Bread and/or bread products are eaten with all main meals and between meals. However, the frequency of consumption varies greatly depending on the meal in question. However, the choice of bread type is clearer. Dark breads, with or without grains, are the favorite types of Germans. For 72 percent, it is therefore crucial that the bread is dark. The Germans value an intense flavor and a strong crust. They also combine dark bread with rye, whole grain and sourdough. This was the result of a representative opinion poll by CMA/ZMP market research.

But as is well known, man does not live by bread alone - not even by dark bread. Therefore, at the same time, it was determined what goes best with the Germans (see table): Hearty toppings are particularly popular. Cheese, sausage and ham are clearly at the top. The answers of those for whom jam & co. also go well show that dark bread and “sweet” are not mutually exclusive. Vegetable side dishes suitable for snacks are also surprisingly popular.

Women and men have different favorites when it comes to the top ten for dark bread: Cheese, ham and sweets are particularly popular with women. For men, sausage is in second place, just behind cheese. And they love the vegetable side dishes for a "dark" snack: tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are a particular male domain.

TOP TEN: What goes best with dark bread
(in % with multiple answers; n=1001) (Source: CMA/ZMP market research 2003)

		Ø	w/m
Savory toppings	Käse,	79	80 / 78
	Sausage	71	66 / 77
	ham	64	68 / 59
	eggs	35	33 / 37
	cooked meat	18	11 / 25
Sweet spreads	Marmelade	32	34 / 30
	Honey	18	23 / 14
vegetable side dishes	tomatoes	45	43 / 48
	cucumbers	37	32 / 42
	Paprika	17	15 / 19

Source: Bonn [cma]