The first focus article concentrates on the prevalence of vegetarian diet in Germany. A plant-based diet is associated with health and environmental benefits. In Germany, a good 4% of the population follows a predominantly vegetarian diet. Data collected in the health studies conducted by the Robert Koch Institute enable detailed assessment of the dietary habits of the population. The journal’s second focus article provides information on breastfeeding and addresses data requirements for a continuous breastfeeding monitoring in Germany. Also in this issue: four fact sheets examine the vitamin D status, sodium intake, folate status and cooking frequency of the adult population in Germany.