The report by UCE Research, Blix Group and Proxi.cloud found that 84.9 percent of Poles consume meat or processed meat products at least weekly, state news agency PAP reported.
Among them, 24.3 percent do so every day, 50.3 percent several times a week and 10.3 percent once a week.
Meat deeply rooted in Poles' diet
"Such a high and regular frequency of consumption means that meat and processed meat products are still treated by Polish households as first-choice products," said Krzysztof Łuczak, a co-author of the report.
"Data we analyse from shopping apps show that meat products form the basis of the average shopping basket, supplemented by other products," he said.
Mateusz Chołuj of Proxi.cloud said the findings reflected the durability of consumer habits.
"Poles may change the type of meat they buy, its quality, portion size or where they purchase it, but the category itself remains deeply rooted in their daily diet," he said.
Marcin Lenkiewicz of Blix Group said Poland's strong attachment to meat and processed meat products had cultural roots.
"For decades, particularly during shortages under communist rule, a meat-free lunch was considered incomplete and less valuable," he said.
Tradition of frequent meat consumption
The highest share of people who eat meat every day—31.8 percent—was recorded among those aged 35 to 44.
"At this stage of life, people statistically focus most intensively on running a household and organising meals for the whole family," said Łuczak. "This shows that the tradition of frequent meat consumption is actively being passed on and is not limited to the oldest generations."
The report's authors said even small price increases for meat and processed meat products can put pressure on household budgets because of how frequently they are purchased. Consumers generally do not try to reduce their purchases, however, instead looking for cheaper alternatives.
"Customers are more likely to look for cheaper types of meat, choose store brands, buy fewer expensive products or take advantage of discounts," Chołuj said. "Price pressure therefore primarily changes the structure of purchases."
The report also found some changes in consumption patterns in recent years.
While most respondents continue to eat meat frequently, 7.1 percent said they buy meat and processed meat products several times a month, 1.2 percent once a quarter and 1.5 percent only occasionally.
A total of 2.5 percent said they had stopped eating meat and processed meat products altogether.
The survey was conducted by UCE Research in cooperation with Blix Group and Proxi.cloud among a nationwide sample of 1,023 adults.