Veganism In North America: How Popular Is It?

The percentage of people following a vegan diet in North America has been rising over the years. In the United States, the percentage of vegans has increased from 1% in 2014 to an estimated 3-6% in 2023. In Canada, there were around 850,000 vegans in 2018, representing a 250% increase in the number of vegetarians. While exact figures for Mexico are unavailable, 20% of the population identified as vegetarian or vegan in 2021. The rising popularity of veganism in North America is driven by various factors, including health, animal welfare, and environmental concerns.

The number of vegans in the US has increased over time, with surveys reporting a range of 2-6% of the population

The number of vegans in the US has been rising over the years, with the percentage of the American population identifying as vegan ranging from 2% to 6% according to various surveys. While the exact figure is hard to pinpoint, the vegan movement in the US has undoubtedly been gaining momentum.

In 2014, only 1% of Americans identified as vegan. However, by 2017, that number had spiked to 6%, according to research firm GlobalData. Other surveys provide varying estimates, such as a 2018 Gallup poll indicating 3% of Americans are vegan, and The Harris Poll of March 2019 putting the number at 2%. The challenge in determining an exact figure lies in the imprecise nature of diet-based surveys and the different methodologies employed.

The rise in veganism is driven by several factors, including increased awareness of animal welfare, environmental concerns, and health benefits associated with plant-based diets. Younger generations, particularly millennials, are leading this shift, with nearly 40% identifying as vegan. Additionally, veganism is more prevalent among women, with 9% identifying as vegan compared to 3% of men.

The growing demand for vegan options has not gone unnoticed by businesses. The market for vegan products is booming, with thousands of new items introduced to cater to this expanding consumer base. Restaurants and fast-food chains are also accommodating plant-based diets, making it easier than ever to adopt and sustain a vegan lifestyle.

While the percentage of vegans in the US may seem small, the impact of this lifestyle choice is significant. With health, ethical, and environmental motivations, vegans are contributing to a more sustainable and compassionate future. As awareness continues to spread and more people consider the benefits of plant-based diets, we can expect the number of vegans in the US to continue its upward trajectory.

The average age of vegans is 42, with younger generations more likely to adopt veganism

In the United States, the number of vegans has been increasing over the years. While the percentage of vegans in the country is still relatively small, estimated to be between 1% and 6% of the population, there has been a noticeable shift towards plant-based diets, especially among younger individuals. Studies show that around 10% of young people identify as vegans, with veganism being more prevalent in the 18-34 age group. This is in contrast to older generations, where only 2.5% of Americans over the age of 50 identify as vegan.

The rise in veganism among younger generations can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, younger people tend to be more attuned to issues such as animal welfare, climate change, and health. They are more likely to be concerned about the impact of their food choices on the environment and animal suffering in the food industry. Additionally, veganism is often associated with feminist ideals and gender equality, which resonates with younger generations. The availability of plant-based options in restaurants and grocery stores has also made it easier for young people to adopt and maintain a vegan lifestyle.

It is worth noting that the vegan population in the US spans diverse age groups, and it is not limited to younger generations. The increase in veganism is driven by a combination of factors, including age, gender, ethnicity, and social-political issues. However, the trend of younger generations being more likely to adopt veganism is consistent and contributes to the overall growth of the vegan movement in the country.

There is a gender disparity, with 9% of women and 3% of men identifying as vegan

The number of people following a vegan diet in North America has been a topic of interest for many, including businesses, policymakers, and consumers. While it is challenging to determine an exact figure, various surveys and polls provide insights into the vegan population in the region. As of 2023, it is estimated that around 3-4% of people in the United States identify as vegan, which translates to approximately 10 million individuals. This number has been steadily growing, with a sixfold increase reported between 2014 and 2017, when only 1% of the population identified as vegan.

Interestingly, there is a gender disparity within the vegan community, with a higher percentage of women identifying as vegan compared to men. According to recent surveys, 9% of women identify as vegan, while only 3% of men do so. This disparity may be linked to societal perceptions of veganism as a more compassionate and nurturing lifestyle, qualities that have traditionally been associated with femininity.

The rise in veganism cannot be attributed to a single factor but is influenced by a combination of factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and social-political issues. One notable trend is the higher prevalence of veganism among younger generations, with studies indicating that individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely to adopt a vegan diet. Additionally, income may play a role, as statistics show a higher concentration of vegans in the sub-$50,000 income range.

Veganism has gained traction due to several reasons, including health, ethical, and environmental concerns. Many people are motivated by the potential health benefits of a plant-based diet, which has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, the treatment of animals in the food industry and the impact of animal agriculture on the environment have prompted people to make dietary changes to reduce animal suffering and promote sustainability.

The growth of veganism has had a significant impact on businesses and the food industry. Food companies are responding to the increasing demand for plant-based options by introducing new products and expanding their vegan offerings. Restaurants and fast-food chains are also accommodating vegan diets by including plant-based alternatives on their menus. This trend is expected to continue, with the global vegan market projected to expand further in the coming years.

The number of vegans in the UK is estimated to be between 1-3%, with a 400% increase in the last two years

The number of vegans in the UK is estimated to be between 1% and 3%. In 2016, Ipsos reported that 3.25% of people aged 15 and over in Great Britain never ate meat as part of their diet. This figure rose to 600,000 people (1.16% of the population) in 2018, according to the Vegan Society—a 400% increase over the last two years. This increase in veganism has been reflected in the UK's retail and food industries. In 2020, all of the country's top supermarkets, judged by revenue, offered vegan ranges, and popular restaurants like KFC, McDonald's, and Subway introduced vegan options.

The rise in veganism in the UK is part of a broader trend towards meat-free diets. In 2019, a Mintel survey reported that nearly a quarter of Britons consumed plant-based milk, a 19% increase from 2018. The following year, The Grocer revealed that 62% of UK adults had purchased plant-based milk. This shift is also reflected in a survey by Opinion Matters, which found that over half of British shoppers exhibited vegan-buying behaviours, such as checking whether their toiletries are cruelty-free.

The UK's vegan population is expected to continue growing. Sainsbury's predicted that by 2025, vegans and vegetarians would make up a quarter of the British population, while flexitarians (those who eat both plant-based and meat-based foods) would account for just under half. This projection is supported by a 2019 Ipsos survey, which found that 46% of Brits aged 16-75 were considering reducing their intake of animal products in the future.

The global vegan population is estimated to be around 79 million, with a steady increase in recent years

The global vegan population is estimated to be around 79 million as of 2023, with a steady increase in recent years. This growing trend is driven by a variety of factors, including health, ethical, and environmental concerns. This shift towards plant-based diets has led to a rising demand for vegan options, with more restaurants and fast-food chains accommodating these needs.

In the United States, the vegan movement has gained significant momentum, with approximately 3-5% of the population identifying as vegan. This translates to around 10 million individuals. The increase in veganism is evident in the rising sales of plant-based foods, which have grown by 11% from 2018 to 2019, reaching a market value of $4.5 billion.

While the vegan population in the US is substantial, other countries have even higher percentages. For example, in the United Kingdom, veganism has seen a 400% increase, with about 600,000 vegans in 2018, representing 1.16% of the population. Germany, the leading source of searches about veganism according to Google Trends in 2023, also has a significant vegan population.

The rise of veganism is a global phenomenon. In India, 11% of the people are vegans, making it the market that stands out the most in terms of chosen diets. Israel comes in second, with 6% of its population being vegan, and China has about 4% of its population identifying as vegan. Canada has a vegan population of 2%, and Australia and New Zealand are also seeing increasing trends in veganism.

The growth of the vegan population has had a significant impact on various industries. The plant-based milk market, for example, is expected to grow, with almond milk being the most profitable segment. Additionally, the vegan cosmetic industry is projected to reach $20.8 billion by 2025, and the global plant-based leather market is forecasted to expand as well.

The vegan population's influence extends beyond food choices. The decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle is often driven by ethical concerns, particularly related to animal welfare and the environment. This has led to a decrease in meat consumption and a shift towards more sustainable and humane practices.

As the global vegan population continues to grow, we can expect to see further developments in vegan product offerings, a greater focus on sustainability, and a positive impact on the environment and animal welfare.

Frequently asked questions