Survey: Majority of Young People Find Fasting Meaningful - Younger Germans embrace fasting trends ahead of Lent 2026
Fasting continues to be a popular practice in Germany, with many seeing it as a way to enhance health. A new survey indicates that support for the tradition is growing, especially among younger people. The results also disclose what Germans are most willing to abstain from during Lent in 2026.
Lent next year will commence on February 18, and many Germans are already contemplating what to forsake. According to the survey, alcohol heads the list, with 75% stating they would renounce it. Sweets follow closely at 71%, while meat comes third, with 52% willing to omit it. Another 48% would use the period to quit smoking.
Half of those surveyed have fasted previously, with 15% trying it once and 35% doing so multiple times. Overall, 70% of Germans believe fasting has health benefits. The idea appeals strongly to older adults, with 62% of those over 60 open to participating.
Younger Germans, however, show even greater enthusiasm. In 2025, 84% of 18- to 29-year-olds viewed fasting as meaningful, up from 76% the previous year. This age group is also more likely to avoid meat, with 66% considering it compared to just 48% of over-60s. Their approach has shifted too—many now focus on wellness trends like digital detoxes, intermittent fasting, and plant-based diets rather than traditional religious abstinence.
Between 2021 and 2026, sugar-free and plant-based fasting gained popularity among younger people. Meanwhile, older generations still lean toward classic forms of abstinence.
The survey underscores a clear trend: fasting is becoming more prevalent, particularly among younger Germans. While alcohol, sweets, and meat remain the top items to give up, newer wellness-focused practices are also taking hold. The results suggest that Lent in 2026 will witness a blend of traditional and modern fasting habits across different age groups.
