57% of Young Germans Want Influencer Junk Food Ads Banned
Osnabrück – October 29, 2026 -- A majority of young people in Germany want influencers barred from advertising unhealthy food, according to a representative survey commissioned by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv). In the poll, 57 percent of 14- to 25-year-olds agreed that influencers should not promote unhealthy foods.
Four in ten have bought food because an influencer recommended it
The survey also found that 40 percent of respondents have bought at least one food product because an influencer endorsed it. At the same time, 87 percent said they can easily recognize advertising on social media.
Consumer advocates say labeling is not enough
For the vzbv, those two findings together show that mandatory ad labeling falls short. The organization argues that influencer marketing works precisely because products are woven into personal stories, daily routines and seemingly authentic recommendations.