Veganism's Reach: How Many Embrace A Plant-Based Life?

Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that has gained significant attention and popularity in recent years. It involves abstaining from the consumption of animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, as well as avoiding the use of animal-derived products in other aspects of life, such as clothing and cosmetics. As of September 2021, there were an estimated 79 million vegans globally, which is just over one percent of the world's population. However, the number of vegans varies by country and region.

In the United States, it is estimated that around 2-6% of the population is vegan, with higher percentages among younger generations. In the United Kingdom, there were about 600,000 vegans in 2018, representing 1.16% of the population. Other countries with notable vegan populations include Israel, with an estimated 5-8% vegan population, and Germany, with 2.6 million vegans as of 2020.

The rise of veganism is driven by various factors, including ethical concerns for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health benefits. The availability of vegan options and the growing support for plant-based diets indicate that veganism is likely to continue its upward trajectory in the future.

In 2020, vegan food sales grew twice as fast as general food sales

Vegan Diets and Sales

Popularity of Veganism

Veganism is a diet and lifestyle that is growing in popularity around the world. In the US, the number of vegans has increased over time, with surveys generally putting the count at 2-6% of the population. In 2014, only 1% of the American population labelled themselves as vegan, but this figure spiked to 6% in 2017. Other surveys have shown differing counts, with 3% of Americans identifying as vegan in a 2018 Gallup poll, and 2% in a March 2019 Harris Poll. It is worth noting that the number of vegans is so small that surveys have a hard time accurately capturing the true percentage.

Veganism is also gaining traction in other Western countries, such as the UK, where it has seen a 400% increase over the last two years. In 2018, there were about 600,000 vegans in Great Britain (1.16% of the population), up from 150,000 (0.25% of the population) in 2014. In Canada, veganism was a top search trend in 2017, and in Australia, roughly 10% of the population has adopted a plant-based diet.

Sales of Vegan Food

The rising popularity of veganism has resulted in a boom in the vegan market, with thousands of new products launched to meet consumer demand. In 2020, plant-based food sales in the US reached $7 billion, growing by 27% from the previous year. This growth rate was nearly twice as fast as the total US retail food market, which increased by 15%.

Vegan milk is the most developed product, penetrating 39% of US households, with sales reaching $2.5 billion. The vegan egg category is the least developed, with sales of $27 million, but it is the fastest-growing, increasing by 168% year-on-year. Overall, plant-based milk and meat grew at three times the rate of their conventional counterparts.

The plant-based meat market in the US is now worth $1.4 billion, a 45% increase in annual sales. Dairy alternatives account for 15% of the total share of US retail milk sales and make up 35% of the overall plant-based market. More than 745 million units of plant-based milk were sold in 2020, an 18% annual increase.

The growth in sales of plant-based foods has also laid the foundation for the expansion of other vegan dairy categories, such as vegan ice cream, yoghurt, butter, cheese, and sauces, which collectively brought in $1.9 billion in sales, with a yearly increase of 28%.

The Future of Veganism

The shift towards veganism is expected to continue, driven by concerns for health, the environment, and animal welfare. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role, with reports emerging of links between the meat industry and pandemic risk. As a result, experts predict a move away from meat consumption, with plant-based alternatives becoming increasingly popular.

In 2020, 41% of Brits reported actively reducing the amount of meat in their diet

Veganism is a diet and lifestyle that seeks to exclude all forms of animal products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. It is often adopted for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. The number of vegans in the UK has been growing steadily in recent years, with an estimated 600,000 vegans in Great Britain in 2018, representing 1.16% of the population. This was a significant increase from 2014, when only 150,000 people or 0.25% of the population were vegan.

The UK is not alone in this trend towards meat reduction and veganism. Globally, the popularity of meatless diets is soaring, particularly in Western countries. In the United States, for example, surveys generally put the number of vegans between 2% and 6% of the population. However, it is worth noting that the exact number of vegans can be difficult to determine, and slight deviations in survey results can lead to significant changes in the estimated percentage.

The rise of veganism has also sparked a boom in the vegan market, with thousands of new vegan products, restaurants, and fast-food chains accommodating plant-based diets. The global plant milk market, for instance, was worth over $8 billion in 2016 and is expected to exceed $21 billion by 2024. Similarly, the global vegan meat market is projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2025, with Europe expected to dominate and the Asia-Pacific region experiencing exponential growth.

The shift towards meat reduction and veganism is driven by various factors, including ethical concerns for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health benefits. Many people believe that reducing meat consumption is better for the environment, as animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and has negative impacts on land and water use. Additionally, media coverage and documentaries have played a role in raising awareness about the benefits of plant-based diets, influencing consumers' food choices.

While the exact percentage of the population that follows a vegan diet can be challenging to pinpoint, the trend towards meat reduction and the adoption of plant-based diets is undeniable. The increasing demand for vegan options has led to a diverse range of products, and the market continues to grow and evolve to meet consumer needs.

In 2021, 15% of UK consumers said they had cut dairy from their diet

The percentage of the population that follows a vegan diet varies by country. Here is a look at the numbers for some countries, with a focus on the UK.

United Kingdom

Estimates of the number of vegans in the UK range from 1-3% of the population. A 2021 survey by The Grocer found that 15% of UK consumers had cut dairy from their diet completely, with a further 42% reducing their intake. This indicates a shift towards plant-based alternatives, with health and environmental concerns being key drivers. The UK also has a high demand for vegan products, with a 1500% increase in plant-based food sales between 2014 and 2019.

United States

In the US, surveys indicate that 2-6% of the population is vegan. A Rakuten survey in 2021 found that 82% of US consumers had tried plant-based milk, and 62% had tried plant-based meats. Health, animal welfare, and environmental concerns are among the top reasons for the shift towards plant-based alternatives.

Germany

Germany has seen a growing trend towards veganism, with an estimated 3.2% of the population identifying as vegan. A survey by Veganz in 2020 put the number at 2.6 million vegans. The country also has a high demand for vegan products, with sales of vegan meat alternatives expected to grow.

India

India has the largest share of non-meat eaters globally, with 9% of the population identifying as vegan and almost 25% as vegetarian. A Rakuten survey in 2021 found that 72% of Indian consumers had tried plant-based milk, and 39% had tried plant-based meat.

China

China has a growing market for plant-based alternatives, with consumers being twice as likely as Americans to purchase these products. A Rakuten survey in 2021 found that 87% of Chinese consumers had tried plant-based milk, and 42% had tried plant-based meat.

In 2021, 39% of Dutch consumers described themselves as flexitarian

The percentage of the population that follows a vegan diet varies by country and has been increasing over time. In the United States, the number of vegans is estimated to be between 2% and 6% of the population. In the United Kingdom, estimates range from 1% to 3%. In Germany, it is estimated that 2.6 million people or 3.2% of the population are vegan. A survey in India found that 9% of the population identified as vegan.

Veganism is also gaining traction in the Netherlands, where it is estimated that around 2% of the population is vegan. In addition to vegans, there is a significant number of flexitarians in the Netherlands, who reduce their meat consumption without eliminating it entirely. In 2021, 39% of Dutch consumers described themselves as flexitarian, up from 31% in 2017. This group can be further divided into three segments: unconscious flexitarians, potential flexitarians, and conscious flexitarians. Unconscious flexitarians make up the majority of flexitarians in the Netherlands, with 51% of consumers falling into this category. They eat less meat without actively thinking about it. Potential flexitarians, who can be persuaded to reduce their meat consumption if they are made aware of the benefits, make up 17% of consumers. Finally, 10% of Dutch consumers are conscious flexitarians, meaning they actively choose to eat less meat.

The rise of flexitarianism in the Netherlands suggests a growing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of meat consumption. However, there is still a long way to go before a predominantly plant-based diet is achieved. Targeted approaches are needed to encourage a shift towards more flexitarian diets and reduce the overall consumption of meat in the country.

In 2022, 48% of British adults used plant milk in their diet

The adoption of plant-based alternatives is not limited to meat products. In 2022, almond milk (22%), oat milk (20%), and coconut milk (17%) were the most popular plant-based milk options among British adults. However, despite the growing popularity of plant-based milk, 52% of UK adults still consumed dairy milk as part of their diet.

The shift towards plant-based alternatives is driven by various factors. One key factor is health, with many people associating plant-based diets with a healthier lifestyle. In addition, consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of animal agriculture, which has led them to explore more sustainable alternatives.

While the adoption of plant-based alternatives is on the rise, there are still barriers to further growth. One significant barrier is the price of plant-based products, which can be higher than their animal-based counterparts. In the face of rising living costs, consumers may be reluctant to pay a premium for plant-based alternatives, despite their interest in reducing their consumption of animal products.

The trend towards plant-based alternatives is not limited to the UK. Globally, there is a growing interest in veganism and plant-based diets. The Veganuary campaign, which encourages people to adopt a vegan diet for the month of January, has seen a steady increase in participants over the years, with over 700,000 people signing up from almost every country in 2022.

The vegan market has responded to the growing demand by introducing thousands of new products. Large fast-food chains, such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut, have also started to offer vegan options in their European locations. The increasing availability of plant-based alternatives makes it easier for consumers to reduce their consumption of animal products and adopt more sustainable and ethical dietary choices.

Frequently asked questions