In 2024, around **** percent of responding German consumers between 18 and 64 years of age followed a vegan diet. In Brazil, China, Mexico, and the U.S., between two and **** percent of respondents ate vegan diets. The noteworthy standout is India, where about ******* of respondents said they typically follow a vegan diet. The survey was carried out in four quarterly waves among online users. Veganism in the European Union The share of adults following a vegan diet in the European Union (EU) varies considerably among the different generations. According to a recent survey, Gen Z had the highest share of vegans in the EU, with approximately **** percent. In comparison, among Generation X and the Baby Boomers, the share of vegans was only *** percent. In general, the share of vegans in the EU tends to be higher among younger generations. The number of vegans in the EU is forecast to grow from about *** million in 2023 to almost *** million by 2033. Veganism in Germany Germany has a particularly high share of young adults who are vegan or vegetarian, as compared to other European countries. Approximately *** and ****** percent of young adults in Germany classify themselves as vegan or vegetarian, respectively. Moreover, being vegan in Germany has become considerably easier over the years. The number of vegan restaurants in Germany has almost ********** throughout the last decade, adjusting to the growing demand for alternatives to animal products. While there were only *** purely vegan restaurants in 2014, a total of *** vegan restaurants were counted in 2024. The growing demand for animal alternatives can also be observed in the production volume of vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes in Germany. The volume of vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes produced has grown from approximately ****** tons in 2019 to about ******* tons in 2023.

Introduction

Vegan Statistics: Veganism has emerged as a powerful global trend, reflecting a notable shift in consumer preferences influenced by growing concerns about health, environmental impact, and animal welfare. Over the past few years, the number of individuals embracing vegan lifestyles has increased significantly across key regions, impacting industries such as food and beverages, personal care, fashion, and pharmaceuticals.

With the rapid advancement of plant-based products, the need for accurate, data-driven insights has become crucial for businesses, governments, and investors aiming to stay aligned with evolving market demands. This statistical overview examines key aspects, including growth patterns, demographic shifts, spending habits, and geographic trends, offering a comprehensive view of one of today's most dynamic consumer movements.

In 2024, the number of vegans was estimated to be *** million. Based on survey results, another *** million intend to follow the diet in the future. A combined **** million more are going meatless and either follow a vegetarian, vegan, or pescetarian diet. How many vegans are there really? Due to the small share of vegans in a population, it is often difficult to get a reliable estimate of how many vegans can be found in any given population. Often the margin of error in a survey is larger than the share of vegans found. In the United States, for example, depending on the survey, you can find survey results ranging from *** to **** percent of the population. Across Europe, the overwhelming majority of countries have ***** percent or less of their population following a vegan diet. Healthy eating & Veganism In the United Kingdom, consumers cite health reasons among the top factors that might encourage them to adapt a vegan or vegetarian diet. Almost a quarter of women named health reasons, while ** percent of their male counterparts had a similar standpoint. For men, this made it the leading reason, while women named animal welfare as high as health. Consumers in the United States who have already adopted a vegan or vegetarian diet also frequently named the desire to eat healthier as one of the reasons they adopted their current diet. Two in five vegans and vegetarians in the U.S. named healthier eating, only animal welfare ranked slightly higher.

More and more consumers are adopting vegetarian and vegan diets in the United States. Where only *** percent of Americans over the age of 50 consider themselves vegetarian, *** 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 ** percent and meat alternatives by ** percent. The sales values of these categories were worth *** million and *** million dollars respectively. Milk alternatives are still the highest selling segment of plant-based foods, valued at *** billion dollars in 2018.

Snapshot img

Vegan Food Market Size 2024-2028

The vegan food market size is valued to increase by USD 29.93 billion, at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2023 to 2028. Growing number of vegan consumers will drive the vegan food market.

Market Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 44% growth during the 2024-2028.
By Distribution Channel - Offline segment was valued at USD 14.71 billion in 2022
By Product - Dairy alternative segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 189.74 million 
Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 29928.70 million
CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 15.2%

Market Summary

The market continues to gain momentum as an increasing number of consumers embrace plant-based diets for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. This shift in consumer behavior has led to a surge in new product launches across various food categories, from plant-based meat alternatives to dairy-free beverages and desserts. However, the market faces challenges, particularly in the area of product standardization. With no universally accepted guidelines for vegan certification, companies must navigate complex supply chains to ensure the authenticity of their offerings. For instance, a food manufacturer may source ingredients from multiple suppliers, each with varying levels of transparency regarding their production processes.
Ensuring that all ingredients meet vegan standards can be a time-consuming and costly process. Furthermore, compliance with various food safety regulations adds another layer of complexity to the supply chain. Despite these challenges, companies are finding innovative solutions to optimize their operations and meet the growing demand for vegan food. For example, some manufacturers are partnering with third-party certification agencies to streamline the verification process. Others are investing in technology solutions to improve traceability and transparency throughout their supply chains. As the market continues to evolve, companies that can effectively navigate these challenges will be well-positioned to succeed.

What will be the size of the Vegan Food Market during the forecast period?

Get Key Insights on Market Forecast (PDF) Request Free Sample

The market continues to evolve, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and advancements in food technology. One notable trend is the increasing focus on plant sterol content, a key factor in cholesterol reduction. According to recent research, vegan foods with plant sterols can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10%. This statistic underscores the business relevance of incorporating such ingredients into product innovation and new product development. Another trend gaining traction is the use of encapsulation technologies for vitamin B12 fortification. Consumers are increasingly conscious of their nutrient intake, particularly with regard to this essential vitamin, which is often lacking in vegan diets.
High-pressure processing and thermal processing optimization are essential in ensuring the efficacy of these encapsulation technologies. Quality control systems and nutrient preservation are crucial in maintaining the integrity of these fortified products. Furthermore, sensory perception plays a significant role in consumer preferences. Companies must invest in process validation and fiber content analysis to optimize taste and texture, making plant-based alternatives more appealing to a broader audience. Incorporating vegan omega-3 sources, such as algae oil, can also enhance the nutritional value and sensory appeal of these products . As the market continues to expand, companies must prioritize product innovation, microbial spoilage prevention, and carbohydrate metabolism research to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

Unpacking the Vegan Food Market Landscape

The vegan food market is evolving rapidly as plant-based meat production methods and novel methods for plant-based protein extraction drive innovation across the sector. Development of vegan cheese analogs, improving the texture of plant-based milks, and strategies for improving vegan food taste and texture are central to enhancing consumer perception of vegan food quality. Optimizing the nutritional profile of vegan foods and measuring the environmental footprint of vegan foods support both health and sustainability goals, while reducing environmental impact of vegan food production and implementing sustainable supply chains for vegan ingredients align with broader climate-conscious initiatives.

Challenges in scaling up vegan food production are being addressed through new technologies for vegan food processing, advanced techniques in vegan food preservation, and applications of precision fermentation in vegan food. Using AI in vegan food product development enables rapid formulation improvements and cost reduct

According to 47 percent of survey respondents who took part in Veganuary 2025 worldwide, animals were the leading motivation to try the vegan diet. In a survey carried out four years earlier, 44 percent stated the same. Other participants were motivated by personal health reasons (20 percent) and the environment (14 percent). These three reasons are commonly the main motivators in most Western cultures for going vegan or vegetarian.

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 ** percent of respondents named this as a one of the reasons they currently follow their diet.

These datasets provides the 1000 iterations of estimates of the environmental impact of vegans, vegetarians, fish eaters and meat eaters, aggregated at the level of age-sex-diet group. Development of these datasets is described in a research manuscript which can be accessed here: https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:332d8ffb-75cf-4f59-bded-bc2042de955d

Code for combining these data to produce the results in the paper can be found here: https://github.com/PeteScarbs/environment-impact-of-diets

Two datasets are provided. Results_21Mar2022.csv is for the primary analysis in the paper. Results_21Mar2022_nokcaladjust.csv is for the sensitivity analysis.

Supplementary data is provided in another deposit in ORA which can be found here: https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:fd3bfe80-1b8d-4d68-b471-a5621def5c24

The global vegan diet market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing health consciousness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. The rising popularity of plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy, and other animal products is a significant factor fueling this expansion. Consumers are increasingly seeking out nutritious and sustainable food options, leading to a surge in demand for vegan foods across various product categories, including plant-based proteins, dairy alternatives (like almond milk and soy yogurt), and meat substitutes (such as veggie burgers and plant-based sausages). This trend is further amplified by the growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture and the desire to reduce one's carbon footprint. While specific market size data is absent, based on industry reports indicating significant growth in related sectors like plant-based foods and the expanding vegan population, a reasonable estimate for the 2025 market size could be $40 billion USD. Assuming a conservative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% (reflective of similar high-growth markets), the market is projected to reach approximately $110 billion USD by 2033. Several factors contribute to this positive growth trajectory. The continuous innovation and improvement in the taste, texture, and nutritional profiles of vegan products are crucial. Major food companies are actively investing in research and development, leading to more appealing and accessible vegan options. Increased availability in supermarkets and online platforms has expanded market reach, making vegan products more convenient for consumers. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting sustainable and plant-based diets, coupled with increasing awareness campaigns by NGOs and influencers, contribute to market expansion. However, challenges remain, including consumer perceptions regarding taste and cost, as well as regional variations in acceptance and product availability. The need to address these challenges will be critical for sustained growth and broader market penetration.

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) was 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 num...

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.

Discover the booming vegan food market! Learn about its $12.64 billion valuation, 5.4% CAGR, key drivers, and top players like Beyond Meat & Impossible Foods. Explore market trends and regional insights in this comprehensive analysis.

[215+ Pages Report] The global vegan fast food market size is expected to grow from USD 17.05 billion in 2022 to USD 23.07 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.85% from 2023-2030

In 2025, the largest share of vegans, at *** percent, could be found in London. In contrast, the smallest proportion of the population that identified themselves as vegan could be found in the Rest of the South and the Midlands. Here the share of vegans was close to *** percent. Scotland and Wales showed a share of vegans twice as high as the Midlands. Other facts about Veganism in the UK It is estimated that about *** million people in the UK followed a vegan diet in 2024. The exact number is disputed and can vary from source to source; however, it seems clear that the number of vegans has been growing. Other estimates put the share of vegans at ***** percent of the UK internet population (excluding children and seniors over 65), which would put the number of vegans at around *** million in 2025. Ethical motivations and healthier living are the main drivers for becoming a vegan in the UK. A growing importance of ethical consumerism Ethical dimensions increasingly drive consumer spending, whether these are animal-welfare and environmental concerns - in the case of veganism and vegetarianism in particular - or concerns for human rights and social justice. Average household spending on ethical food in the UK has reached ****** million British pounds.

The global vegan food market size is predicted to grow from USD 21.91 billion in 2025 to USD 60.55 billion by 2035, supported by CAGR gains over 10.7%. Key stakeholders in the industry are Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Oatly, Daiya Foods, Tofurky, leading innovation and setting industry benchmarks.

The global vegan food market size is projected to grow from USD 27.57 billion in 2025 to USD 64.47 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.2%.
Report Scope:

Snapshot img

Packaged Vegan Foods Market Size 2025-2029

The packaged vegan foods market size is forecast to increase by USD 37.94 billion, at a CAGR of 16.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of veganism as a lifestyle choice. The health benefits associated with a vegan diet, including improved heart health, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases, are compelling consumers to shift towards plant-based food options (vegan)This trend is particularly prominent among the younger generation, who are more conscious about their health and the environmental impact of their food choices. However, the distribution of packaged vegan foods presents a notable challenge for market participants. Traditional grocery stores and supermarkets may not always carry a wide selection of vegan options, making it difficult for consumers to access these products easily.
Furthermore, the fragmented supply chain and high logistics costs can pose operational challenges for companies looking to expand their reach. To capitalize on the growing demand for vegan foods, market players must focus on building strong relationships with retailers and exploring innovative distribution models, such as e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels. By addressing these challenges and staying attuned to evolving consumer preferences, companies can effectively capitalize on the opportunities presented by the expanding vegan foods market.

What will be the Size of the Packaged Vegan Foods Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free Sample

The packaged vegan food market continues to evolve, driven by consumer demand for sustainable and ethical food options. Sustainable sourcing practices are increasingly important, with producers focusing on reducing carbon footprints through efficient energy consumption and waste reduction strategies. Water usage efficiency is another key consideration, as is the use of plant-based protein sources, such as pea protein isolates and soy-based products. Texture modification techniques, including seitan production methods and mushroom protein concentrates, enable the creation of vegan meat alternatives that closely mimic the texture of animal-derived products. Flavor enhancement methods, such as emulsion stabilization and preservation technologies, ensure that these alternatives are both delicious and nutritious.

Microbial contamination prevention and food safety regulations are crucial in maintaining product quality and consumer trust. Packaging materials, such as biodegradable plastics and recycled paper, are being explored to reduce environmental impact. Process optimization techniques, including freeze-drying and ultrasonic processing, are employed to improve production efficiency and shelf-life extension. Supply chain management is a critical aspect of the industry, with producers implementing traceability systems to ensure transparency and accountability. Ingredient cost analysis and allergen control measures are also essential to maintain profitability and cater to diverse consumer needs. The market for dairy-free alternatives, including vegan cheese analogs and oat milk processing, is growing rapidly.

Tofu manufacturing techniques and nutritional labeling requirements continue to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry. High-pressure processing and extrusion technologies are just a few of the innovative methods being used to meet consumer demands for convenient, healthy, and sustainable plant-based food options.

How is this Packaged Vegan Foods Industry segmented?

The packaged vegan foods industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product

  Vegan milk
  Vegan meat
  Others


Source

  Almond
  Soy
  Oats
  Wheat
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Sweden
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is experiencing significant trends and dynamics as consumers increasingly adopt plant-based diets for health and sustainability reasons. Sustainable sourcing practices are prioritized in the production of seitan and other meat alternatives, ensuring ethical and environmentally friendly methods. Microbial contamination prevention is a key focus to maintain food safety and consumer trust. Soy-based protein products continue to dominate the market, bu

In recent years, plant-based diets have experienced increasing popularity. However, plant-based diets may not always ensure an adequate supply of micronutrients, in particular calcium. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of calcium intake in vegan and vegetarian diets as compared to omnivorous diets. We searched PubMed and Web of Science and identified 2,009 potentially relevant articles. Mean calcium intake values were pooled and standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. We analyzed 74 studies, including 7,356 vegan, 51,940 vegetarian, and 107,581 omnivorous participants. Of these, dietary calcium intake was examined in 23 studies of vegans, 60 studies of vegetarians and 74 studies of omnivores. Vegans showed a substantially lower calcium intake than vegetarians (SMD = −0.57; 95%CI = −0.83 to −0.32; p = <0.0001) and omnivores (SMD = −0.70; 95%CI = −0.95 to −0.59; p < 0.0001), whereas no statistically significant difference in calcium intake was noted between vegetarians and omnivores (SMD = 0.07; 95%CI = −0.04 to 0.19; p = 0.1976). In conclusion, vegans show a lower calcium intake than vegetarians and omnivores. This finding emphasizes the need for vegans to monitor their calcium status.

Get the latest USA Vegan Meat import data with importer names, shipment details, buyers list, product description, price, quantity, and major US ports.

Comprehensive YouTube channel statistics for We Cook Vegan, featuring 695,000 subscribers and 213,325,643 total views. This dataset includes detailed performance metrics such as subscriber growth, video views, engagement rates, and estimated revenue. The channel operates in the Lifestyle category and is based in GB. Track 318 videos with daily and monthly performance data, including view counts, subscriber changes, and earnings estimates. Analyze growth trends, engagement patterns, and compare performance against similar channels in the same category.