During four surveys carried out between January four and December 12, 2024, approximately eight percent of people in the United States aged between 20 and 29 said they were following a vegetarian diet. The share of vegetarians among respondents aged between 50 and 59 was much lower at two percent. Vegetarianism in the U.S. The main two reasons for following a meat-free diet in the U.S. are to be healthier or due to concerns about animal welfare. Overall, approximately six percent of U.S. consumers follow a vegetarian diet. Only India has a share of vegetarians that is considerably higher. According to a survey, the South Asian country has by far the highest share of vegetarians worldwide, with over a third of the population following a vegetarian diet. Meat consumption in the U.S. While many people follow meat-free diets in the U.S., meat remains to be an essential part of the majority of consumers’ diets. In 2023, per capita meat consumption in the U.S. amounted to approximately 225.5 pounds. Broiler chicken was the most consumed meat, followed by beef and pork. Consumption is forecast to slightly grow within the next ten years. The leading U.S. meat and poultry processing companies, based on sales, are Tyson Foods Inc. and JBS USA Holdings Inc. owner of Cargill Meat Solutions.

More and more consumers are adopting vegetarian and vegan diets in the United States. Where only 2.5 percent of Americans over the age of 50 consider themselves vegetarian, 7.5 percent of Millennials and Gen Z have given up meat. The same goes for veganism, where the younger generations have taken on the diet at nearly double the rate of older Americans.

Plant-based diets

A vegetarian diet is one which excludes the consumption of meat and in some cases animal-derived foods such as eggs and milk. A vegan diet is characterized by abstaining from the consumption of all animal products, which can extend to products like honey as well. People who adopt these diets do so for either ethical, dietary, environmental concerns, or a combination of all three. While there are health benefits attributed to these diets, primarily a lower incidence of heart disease, they must be carefully constructed in order to receive the nutrients that are normally ingested from animal products. A recent survey of Millennial American consumers showed that the purported health benefits of a meat-free diet was the main reason for adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Plant-based food sales

Sales of plant-based foods experienced rapid growth in 2018. Compared to the previous year, plant-based meals sales grew by 28 percent and meat alternatives by 24 percent. The sales values of these categories were worth 210 million and 670 million dollars respectively. Milk alternatives are still the highest selling segment of plant-based foods, valued at 1.6 billion dollars in 2018.

In four surveys carried out between during 2024, approximately **** percent of people in the U.S. aged between 18 and 19 said they were following a vegan diet. The share of vegans among respondents aged between 40 and 49 was at ***** percent. Veganism in the U.S. Consumers who follow a vegan diet do not eat or drink any products derived either wholly or partly from animals. Besides moral concerns about animal welfare, there are many other reasons for only consuming vegan products. The second most common reason for becoming vegan or pursuing a non-meat diet is to have a healthier diet. Meat-substitute products in the United States The main reasons for eating meat-substitutes are that consumers consider them healthier than meat products, or think that they benefit the environment. Nearly ** percent of surveyed consumers in the U.S. are consuming meat-substitute products once a month or more often. About ** percent of Americans have increased their consumption of protein by eating more meat substitutes.

Vegan Statistics: As they say, what we eat today decides our personality and future. If we are consuming healthy food, then our life expectancy increases. In the era of the pandemic, it is necessary to follow some kind of diet to keep the body healthy and increase immunity. Around the world, there are various types of vegans. Looking at the current number of vegans, it is expected that The Vegan Food market will increase at CAGR 6.4% by reaching $36.3 billion by 2030. Check out these interesting Vegan Statistics gathered with current insights from around the globe. Editor’s Choice In 2022, around 629,000 people have signed up for Veganuary from around the world. Out of which, 21% of the people participated for personal health reasons. By 2025, it is expected that the global Vegan market is expected to reach more than $22 billion. The year 2022 recorded 3x more growth in plant-based food sales compared to other years. Furthermore, in 2022, around 2 million Americans were completely following a vegan-based lifestyle. As of 2022, Asia Pacific was the largest market for Vegan foods and other products which was followed by Western Europe. Vegan Statistics show that 67% of Vegan diet followers are females while only 33% are males. 3% of the people started following the diet because they were influenced by some film. Studies show that African Americans are 48% more likely to shift to a Vegan lifestyle, whereas it is 46% for Asian Americans. Around the world, 40% of Vegan products were cheaper than regular products in the market. A household with a Vegan lifestyle spends 8% less on groceries compared to non-vegan households. Vegan Statistics state that, if the world decided to go Vegan then global farmland will be reduced by 75%. Vegan items are costlier at supermarkets compared to non-vegan items. The ingredients decide the cost of the total vegan food. Consumable vegan food requires around 300 gallons of water every day for production. According to Vegan Statistics, India ranks top for having the highest number of vegans as of 2022 resulting in 13%. The global dairy alternatives market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.7% by 2025. In the United States of America, around 1 million people have become vegan. Eating plant-based food lowers the gender-specific cancer rate by 34% in women. As of June 2022, Vegan Statistics state that in all generations, the number of vegetarians is more than vegans. If everyone converts to vegan, the greenhouse gases would be reduced by 70%, which would save $608 billion in economic value by 2050.

This statistic shows the results of a 2018 survey among adult Americans on whether they are vegetarian or vegan. During the survey, 5 percent of respondents in the United States said they considered themselves vegetarian, while 3 percent said they were vegan.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants industry in United States

Animal welfare topped the list of motivations for vegetarians and vegans of why they follow their diet in the United States. The survey, from early 2024, found that roughly 43 percent of respondents named this as a one of the reasons they currently follow their diet.

India has the highest share of vegetarians in the country compared to other select countries in 2024, according to the Statista Consumer Insight survey. Over a ***** of Indian respondents reported following a vegetarian diet, compared to only ***** percent in the United Kingdom. Meat substitutes market in Europe The United Kingdom and Germany hold second and third place respectively for the highest share of vegetarians in the country. Both countries have also increased their production of vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes in recent years. Germany’s meat substitute production increased by over ** percent between 2019 and 2021 and amounted to ******* metric tons. Consumption in the UK is forecast to exceed ******* metric tons by 2028. Health and wellness food trends Cutting out meat and animal byproducts is one of many health and wellness trends adopted by consumers to lead a healthier lifestyle. Other wellness trends include reducing sugar intake, using supplements such as vitamins or probiotics, and purchasing organic products. Globally, the functional and natural health food market is expected to reach ***** billion U.S. dollars by 2026, and it is likely this trend will only continue to grow.

Market Summary of Vegan Fast-Food Market:

• The global Vegan Fast-Food Market size in 2023 was XX Million. The Vegan Fast-Food Market Industry's compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will be XX% from 2024 to 2031. • The market for vegan fast food is increasing due to a shift in customer preferences for vegan food items and health consciousness and an increase in awareness and understanding among people about animal husbandry. • The market is anticipated to grow dramatically as consumers throughout the world become increasingly receptive to plant-based fast-food items. Diets that are vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian were becoming more and more popular.. • To create and launch new vegan product variations, businesses are investing in expanding their production and technological capacities. • North America is the dominating market due to the shift in consumer preferences towards more ethical, healthy, and sustainable food options such as a vegan diet is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on the expansion of the local market.

Market Dynamics of the Vegan Fast-Food Market

Key Drivers of the Vegan Fast-Food Market

The market for vegan fast food is driven by a shift in customer preferences for vegan food items and health consciousness.

The food industry is changing these days since more and more people are choosing plant-based foods and becoming vegans. The practice of becoming a vegan, or avoiding animal products in one's diet, has become more and more well-known in recent years. Globally, the popularity of vegan diets is mostly being driven by rising public awareness of issues related to animal welfare, the environment, and health. For Instance, In 2022, over 700,000 people from nearly every nation in the world signed up for the Veganuary campaign, which encourages people to eat vegan for the entire month of January. This campaign had record-breaking sign-ups. By contrast, the number of participants was 692,000 in 2022, 582,000 in 2021, and 400,000 in 2020. (Source: https://www.vegansociety.com/news/media/statistics/worldwide) This tells us that more and more people are changing their preferences day by day In place of conventional animal-based food, people are searching for more sustainable, ethical, and healthful options. People's preferences for vegan diets have shifted dramatically as a result of growing awareness of the detrimental effects of animal agriculture, such as water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation. Furthermore, More and more customers are looking for better food options as their concerns about conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity grow. Health-conscious people are drawn to vegan fast food since it is often thought to be healthier than non-vegan options because it doesn’t contain animal ingredients and has fewer saturated fats and cholesterol. Hence, as people want to consume food items that are easily available and easy to eat. Vegan consumers opt for vegan fast food. There is presently a lot variety of plant-based junk food options available on grocery shelves and in burger restaurants, ranging from sausage rolls to chicken nuggets that people want. For instance, McDonald's introduced McPlant which is a plant-based burger. On a toasted sesame seed bun, it's sizzled on a flat iron grill and topped with crisp shredded lettuce, snappy pickles, crisp Roma tomato slices, ketchup, mustard, mayo, and a slice of melty American cheese.(Source: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/mcplant.html) Hence, as more people are turning vegan, the demand for vegan fast food market is increasing.

An increase in awareness and understanding among people about animal husbandry is driving the growth of the vegan fast-food market.

Deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are all significantly influenced by animal agriculture. As more people become aware of the catastrophic effects that animal agriculture has on the environment, they are cutting back on or giving up the consumption of animal products. One approach to lessen one's environmental effects and make a positive difference in the world is through veganism. Refusing to purchase animal products lowers the market for them, resulting in fewer animals being bred to suffer and perish on farms. For Instance, There are 205 million chickens counted every day, which is a huge...

This statistic presents the share of people who define themselves as vegetarians in selected Latin American countries as of March 2016. On a survey, 19 percent of respondents from Mexico claimed to be vegetarians, whereas the regional average was at 8 percent.

In 2022, the average price difference per pound between beef and plant-based alternatives in the food service segment in the United States amounted to **** U.S. dollars. Plant-based beef alternatives costed more and were priced at around *** U.S. dollars per pound, compared to the cost of beef which was around **** U.S. dollars per pound. This disparity showed across the board, with plant-based alternatives costing more than animal-based meat in all categories.
How many people follow a vegetarian or vegan diet in the United States? The dietary preferences of consumers in the United States varied across age groups. It was recorded that approximately ***** percent of individuals aged between 18 and 19 followed a vegan diet. Similarly, ***** percent of respondents within the same age group reported following a vegetarian diet. However, as the age of respondents increased to above 40 years old, the prevalence of vegan and vegetarian diets declined. How big is the plant-based meat industry in the United States? In 2022, the sales of plant-based meat alternatives in the U.S. were predominantly based in the retail segment, followed by sales in the food service segment channels. The majority of meat alternative sales in the food service sector in the U.S. were made through restaurants, making up nearly ** percent of the total. This was followed by educational facilities, which also accounted for a notable portion of meat substitute sales.

This statistic shows the share of consumers who consider themselves to be vegan or vegetarian in the United States as of July 2018, by income. During the survey, four percent of respondents who reported having less than 30,000 dollars annual income said they considered themselves vegan.

In 2022, significantly more members of the Gen Z generation were vegan or vegetarian than in 2017. In 2017, only about three percent of Gen Z was following a vegan diet. In 2022 that grew to 21 percent.

In 2025, about **** percent of responding 20 to 29-year-olds in the United Kingdom stated that they followed a vegan diet. Respondents under fifty were **** likely to be vegans than those over. With small shares of the population, it is often difficult to track the number of actual vegans, as an error of only one percent in a survey can significantly change the size of the expected vegan population. Veganism worldwide Global interest in veganism has increased during the last decades. In January 2022, Just under 630 thousand people participated in Veganuary, a global campaign to get people to only eat vegan food during January, led by a British non-profit organization. By comparison, the figure was ***** in 2016. According to a survey, India has the largest share of vegans worldwide, as about ** percent of the population follows a vegan diet. India is followed by China and the United States (U.S.), where the share of vegans is approximately * and * percent, respectively. Veganism in the UK Wales, Scotland, and London are the regions where more consumers than in the rest of the country want to participate in Veganuary. In Wales, the share of survey respondents that said it wanted to try to follow a vegan diet was ***** percent. In the other two regions it was *** percent. The south of England showed the least interest overall. The interest in Veganuary is especially high among the youngest consumers, as ** percent of 18 to 24-year-olds have decided to take part in the challenge and live a vegan lifestyle for the entire month. The share of vegans in the United Kingdom (UK) varies among regions. The largest share of vegans in the UK can be found in London, at **** percent. The share of vegans in Scotland is approximately * percent. As with interest in Veganuary, the South brings up the rear.

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Vegan Fast Foods Market Size 2024-2028

The vegan fast foods market size is forecast to increase by USD 18.91 million, at a CAGR of 11.64% between 2024 and 2028. The vegan consumer base is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with vegan diets. This trend is further propelled by continuous new product launches catering to vegan preferences. These products not only meet dietary preferences but also emphasize the nutritional advantages of plant-based eating. As more individuals opt for vegan lifestyles, the market responds with innovative offerings that promote overall health and wellness. New product introductions play a pivotal role in satisfying the diverse needs of vegan consumers, highlighting the versatility and appeal of vegan foods in modern diets. This growth reflects a broader shift towards sustainable and health-conscious choices, positioning veganism as a significant dietary trend in the contemporary food landscape.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamic

Health-conscious individuals are increasingly opting for burgers, wraps, pizzas, and other vegan options that not only cater to their nutritional content needs but also offer substantial protein content without relying on animal-derived products like dairy and eggs. This shift is embraced by flexitarian individuals seeking plant-based alternatives in sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages to address both health consciousness and ethical concerns surrounding meat consumption. This trend aligns with global food trends promoted by celebrities and social media influencers in urban centers, emphasizing the role of plant-based diets in reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with saturated fats. The evolution of vegan options also caters to diverse tastes, including the Indian palate, reflecting a broader cultural acceptance of sustainable and health-oriented dietary choices.

Key Vegan Fast Foods Market Driver

The growing number of vegan consumers is one of the key drivers supporting the vegan fast foods market growth. People are adopting the vegan lifestyle, particularly for its health benefits and ethical reasons. Over the last decade, the number of people adopting veganism and opting for vegan diets has increased by about 300%. Food service outlets are also adding vegan recipes to their menus to attract vegan consumers. Dairy-free cheese, vegetarian burgers, and vegetarian beverages are some food offerings available at various eateries. For instance, as of January 2021, the total number of vegans globally was nearly 79 million, which was 3% higher than the total vegan population worldwide in 2020. Such factors will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Key Vegan Fast Foods Market Trend

The rise of private label brands is one of the key vegan fast foods market trends contributing to the market growth. Consumer demand for private-label fast foods has increased as retailers have introduced delicious vegan food offerings with high-quality ingredients and complex flavor profiles, such as mock meat. The sales of private-label brands will increase as retailers roll out more vegan product formulations. Retailers are expanding their vegan product lines by introducing RTC vegan delicacies and other plant-based milk products to cater to the demands of consumers. Such initiatives from retailers will increase the sales of private-label vegan fast food products during the forecast period.

Significant Vegan Fast Foods Market Challenge

The lack of product standardization guidelines is one of the factors hampering the vegan fast foods market growth. The vegan food industry lacks internationally uniform regulatory policies. This lacuna results in inappropriate labeling, handling, and manufacturing processes for products, putting into doubt the claims of probiotic drinks being beneficial for health. Global players in the market face a considerable challenge because it creates confusion among consumers. Countries have different legislation and regulations for the packaging process for vegan fast food. Such rules are generally introduced keeping in mind the safety and effectiveness of the products, but the inconsistency of these regulations stands as a formidable challenge for the products' prospects in the market. Such challenges may hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

Customer Landscape

Key Compan

In 2025, Germany had ***************** of polled individuals aged between 18 and 29 years of age who were vegetarian or vegan in Europe. All countries had a share of vegetarians that was******* than the share of vegans. Environmental issues In Europe in 2024, ** percent of consumers that stopped, reduced, or have never eaten red meat were motivated by **********************. Reducing consumption of meat and dairy products would likely be a somewhat efficient method of reducing the environmental impact of the agricultural industry on the planet. In the UK, greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural industry amounted to approximately ** million metric tons in 2024. For comparison, in 2022, total emissions in the EU were about *** million metric tons. European perspectives The meat-free market is **************** in Germany, where the sales value of meat substitutes is expected to reach approximately *** billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2030. At the same time, meat consumption in Germany ************************** and is likely to continue to do so. The overall European trend is similar.

The plant-based vegetarian meat market, valued at approximately $100 million in 2025 (estimated based on a 10.1% CAGR from a 1965 market size and considering market growth acceleration in recent years), is experiencing robust growth driven by increasing consumer awareness of health and environmental benefits, coupled with the rising popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets. Strong demand from health-conscious millennials and Gen Z is a key driver, alongside expanding distribution channels, including supermarkets, restaurants, and online retailers. The market's segmentation reveals substantial opportunities across diverse application areas such as food service and retail, with meat products comprising a larger portion of the market than other plant-based alternatives. Key players like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are leading the innovation in product development, driving the market towards more realistic alternatives to traditional meat products. Challenges, however, remain in overcoming cost barriers to make plant-based meat more affordable and accessible to a wider consumer base. Furthermore, consumer perceptions regarding taste and texture need continuous refinement to fully capture market potential. The forecast period from 2025 to 2033 projects substantial growth, propelled by continuous product innovation, expanding market penetration, and growing consumer acceptance. Regional variations in market penetration highlight significant growth potential in Asia-Pacific and other emerging markets, although North America and Europe remain key regions. The competitive landscape remains dynamic, with both established food giants and innovative startups vying for market share. Future success will depend on strategies to improve product affordability, enhance taste and texture, and build strong consumer brands, capitalizing on the increasing consumer desire for sustainable and ethical food choices. This will likely involve further technological advancements in production, ingredients, and distribution, leading to greater market efficiency and product accessibility.

Market Overview:

The global vegan meat market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period 2019-2028. The growth in the vegan meat market can be attributed to factors such as rising awareness about the health benefits of veganism, growing demand for plant-based protein sources, and an increasing number of vegetarians and vegans. The global vegan meat market is segmented on the basis of type into tofu, Tempeh, textured vegetable protein (TVP), seitan, Quorn, and other product types. The tofu segment is expected to account for the largest share in terms of revenue in 2019. This can be attributed to its high nutritional value and versatility as it can be used in a variety of dishes. The tempeh segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period owing to its high nutritional value and growing popularity among consumers. On the basis of application, food chain services accounted for the majority share in 2018 and are projected to maintain their dominance during the forecast period 2019-2028 owing to its wide distribution network and increasing demand from consumers for healthy food options.

Product Definition:

Vegan meat is a type of meat that does not contain any animal products. This includes eggs, dairy, and honey. Vegan meat can be made from plant-based proteins, such as soy, wheat gluten, or Pea Protein. It can also be made from grains, legumes, vegetables, or a combination of these ingredients. There are many different types of vegan meat, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, and Quorn. Vegan meat can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stews, curries, stir-fries, and burgers.

Tofu:

Tofu is a food product made from soy curd. It is called the "matsutake" in Japan, where it is highly valued for its flavor and texture. Tofu has been used as an ingredient in various foods since ancient times; however, its usage has increased over the past few years due to growing health consciousness among consumers across the globe.

Tempeh:

Tempeh is a cooked form of fermented soy cake. It's made by mixing soybeans with a fungus (Rhizopus or Aspergillus) and an enzyme, which creates the desired texture and flavor. The fermentation process helps create various vitamins, enzymes, proteins as well as other essential nutrients that are not present in raw soybeans.

Textured Vegetable Protein:

Textured Vegetable Protein, also known as TVP, is a meat alternative made from soy flour. It is high in protein and low in fat, making it a popular choice for vegans and vegetarians. TVP can be used as a replacement for ground beef or chicken in recipes such as chili, tacos, and sloppy joes. It is also a common ingredient in Asian and Indian dishes. TVP is sold in both dry and pre-cooked forms.

Seitan:

Seitan is a vegan meat product made from wheat gluten. It is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy option for those looking for an alternative to animal protein sources. Seitan has a chewy texture and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, stews, and soups.

Quorn:

Quorn is a range of meat-free food products made with mycoprotein. Mycoprotein is a nutritious, high-protein flour made from a naturally occurring fungus called Fusarium venenatum. Quorn products are low in saturated fat and high in protein and fiber. They are also free from cholesterol and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Application Insights:

Food chain services accounted for more than 50.0% share of the global vegan meat market in 2017. The rising demand for plant-based alternatives in developed countries including the U.S., Germany, and France is expected to drive the segment growth over the forecast period.

Regional Analysis:

North America dominated the global vegan meat market in terms of revenue share in 2019. The region is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period as well owing to increasing awareness regarding a vegan diet, rising health concerns, and changing food preferences among consumers. The Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to the increasing consumption of processed foods along with growing consumer disposable income levels. Furthermore, improving living standards are likely to boost demand for meat alternatives across emerging economies such as China and India thereby driving the regional market growth. The European market also accounted for a significant revenue share in 2019 due to its large population base that follows a vegan diet or vegetarian lifestyle resulting in increas

In 2023, approximately four percent of participants among Generation Z in the United States stated that they follow a vegetarian diet. Approximately nine percent of Generation Z participants follow a gluten-free diet. The data compiles data from four survey waves carried out in 2022 and 2023.

The global vegan protein powder market is projected to be expanded from USD 5.34 billion in 2025 to USD 10.6 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 7.1%.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 5.34 billion
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 10.6 billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	7.1%

Country-wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United States	7.4%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United Kingdom	6.9%

Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union	7.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	6.5%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	7.3%

Category-wise Insights

Source	Value Share (%)
Soy	48.7%

Flavor	Value Share (%)
Chocolate	44.1%

Competitive Outlook

Company/Organization Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
Glanbia plc	17-21%
Nestlé S.A. (Garden of Life)	14-18%
NOW Health Group, Inc.	11-15%
The Simply Good Foods Company (Quest, OWYN)	9-13%
Orgain, Inc.	7-10%
Others	23-28%