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.

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.

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.

What is the share of vegetarian and vegan individuals in Italy? From 2014 to 2024, the share of vegetarian people in Italy showed some fluctuations. According to the survey, *** percent of respondents declared to be vegetarian in 2014. Whereas, this value went up to *** percent in 2024. The share of Italian vegan individuals more than tripled during this period. For instance, *** percent of the interviewees claimed to be vegan in Italy in 2024. Reasons behind vegetarianism and veganism in Italy There are undoubtedly several reasons for becoming vegetarian or vegan. In 2021, most Italian vegetarians or vegans chose to change their dietary lifestyle mainly due to their personal philosophy of life. Secondly, many respondents claimed to have made this choice for health reasons, or out of respect for animals. The profile of vegetarian people in Italy Although the share of vegetarians in Italy decreased from 2014 to 2023, vegetarianism was more common than veganism in Italy as of 2023. Furthermore, most Italian vegetarians were aged between 25 and 34 years old. There were less vegetarian men than women. Finally, they came especially from the macro-regions of the North-East, and the Center of Italy.

Introduction

Vegan Statistics: Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes all animal-derived products, including food and clothing, emphasizing a plant-based diet. Nutritionally, vegan diets are typically higher in dietary fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals, while being lower in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin Bâ‚ â‚‚. For instance, vegans often consume approximately 21 grams of saturated fat daily, compared to 54 grams in omnivores. Additionally, vegans tend to have about double the dietary fiber intake compared to omnivores.

However, due to the exclusion of animal products, vegans may need to pay special attention to certain nutrients, such as vitamin B₠₂, which is not readily available in plant foods and often requires supplementation. Let’s understand these recent Vegan Statistics, which will shed light on the development in the market.

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.

Abstract Vegetarianism is a practice that excludes meat and can avoid other products of animal origin. This latter modality is closely associated with veganism, a philosophy that advocates animal liberation. Adherence to these conditions implies following some norms that guide eating behaviors and social interactions. Based on this assumption, we aimed to evaluate the agreement level, between vegetarians and vegans, regarding rules that describe food behaviors. The survey included 398 participants, 198 non-strict and 200 strict vegetarians, who answered a self-administered online questionnaire. The data, analyzed by t-test, showed higher agreement level with more restricted behaviors between strict vegetarians and vegans, who also reported a higher base on values. This study, which provided an analysis perspective on eating behaviors in terms of reinforcement location, may contribute to new health practices aimed at vegetarians and vegans.

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.

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Vegan Food Market Size 2024-2028

The vegan food market size is forecast to increase by USD 29.93 billion, at a CAGR of 15.2% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of consumers adopting vegan diets. This trend is driven by various factors, including ethical and environmental concerns, health benefits, and changing consumer preferences. As a result, there is a surge in new product launches, with companies introducing innovative plant-based offerings to cater to this growing consumer base. However, the market faces challenges in the form of a lack of standardization guidelines. The absence of clear regulations and certifications for vegan food products can create confusion among consumers and hinder market growth.
Companies must navigate this challenge by implementing robust certification processes and adhering to ethical and sustainable production practices to build consumer trust and loyalty. By addressing these challenges and continuing to innovate, companies can capitalize on the market's potential and meet the evolving demands of the vegan consumer base.

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The market continues to evolve, driven by consumer preferences and advancements in food processing techniques. Plant-based protein sources, such as pea protein concentrate and textured vegetable protein, are gaining popularity due to their nutritional benefits and versatility in various applications. The production of vegan cheese and butter utilizes innovative methods, while vegan yogurt cultures and alternative sweeteners cater to consumers seeking dairy-free options. Natural fermented and vegan foods and mushroom-based meat analogs offer unique textures and flavors, expanding the market's offerings. Omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients often found in animal products, are being sourced from chlorella supplements, algae-based protein, and other plant-derived sources.

Consumer preference mapping plays a crucial role in product development, guiding companies to create vegan alternatives that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Food safety regulations ensure the production and labeling of vegan products adhere to stringent standards, enhancing consumer trust. Innovations in non-dairy creamer technology, shelf life extension, and sensory evaluation methods contribute to the ongoing development of the vegan food industry. Insect protein powder and nutritional yeast are emerging as potential sources of sustainable and nutrient-dense ingredients. The integration of plant sterols and dairy-free milk alternatives further broadens the market's scope. The market's continuous dynamism is reflected in its diverse offerings and evolving production techniques. Companies remain committed to delivering high-quality, innovative products that cater to the ever-changing consumer landscape.

How is this Vegan Food Industry segmented?

The vegan food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product

  Dairy alternative
  Meat alternative
  Others


Source

  Soy
  Almond
  Oats
  Wheat
  Others


Consumer Segment

  Vegans
  Vegetarians
  Flexitarians
  Health-Conscious Consumers


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    Indonesia
    Malaysia
    South Korea
    Thailand


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

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

The market encompasses a range of plant-based alternatives to traditional animal products, including vegan egg replacements, alternative sweeteners, and functional foods. Research and development in these areas are ongoing, with a focus on vegan certification standards and innovative manufacturing processes. For instance, vegan butter is produced using various plant-based oils, while vegan yogurt cultures are derived from soy, coconut, or other plant sources. Pea protein concentrate and textured vegetable protein are popular plant-based protein sources, while mushroom-based meat analogs and insect protein powder offer sustainable alternatives to animal protein. Consumer preference mapping plays a crucial role in market trends, with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin formulations essential for maintaining a balanced diet.

Food processing techniques are continually evolving to extend shelf lif

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...

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.

In 2024, the share of vegetarian individuals in Italy was highest among respondents from the North-East, with 9.4 percent. The South of Italy had the lowest share of vegetarians, with 6.1 percent, while the Center the lowest share of vegans with 1.6 percent.

These data were generated as part of an ESRC-funded PhD studentship exploring the understandings and everyday lived experiences of 'faith vegans' in the UK, as well as the intersection between veganism and religion, specifically Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. In order to unravel the phenomenon of 'faith veganism' that was coined in this research project, the researcher recruited 36 UK-based faith vegans (12 Muslim vegans, 12 Jewish vegans, and 12 Christian vegans) and conducted multi-modal qualitative methods, comprising interviews, diary methods, and virtual participant observation. The interview transcripts folder includes the interviews with faith vegans (n=36), as well as a document listing answers to a follow up question that I sent to Muslim participants after the interviews (n=1), the diary transcripts folder includes both the diary entries that were submitted as part of the social media-based diary groups (n=8) and the diary entries that were submitted separately and privately (n=6), and the VPO field notes folder includes the field notes from the virtual participant observation calls (n=6).

According to an online survey as of June 2024, the majority of vegetarians registered in the state of São Paulo lived in its homonymous capital, the city of São Paulo, where more than four thousand people identified themselves as vegetarian, vegan or supporter thereof. The second largest population was found in Campinas, with 545 respondents.

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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?

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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 mar

Employment statistics on the Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants industry in the US

Data for 'Meat reduction and vegan promotion in the UK – A mixed-methods examination of campaigns and their participants;

The Vegan Market report segments the industry into Type (Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Beauty, Apparel, Footwear, Accessories, Household and Cleaning Products, Other Types), Distribution Channel (Off-line, Online), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle-East and Africa). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

The present study examined intergroup judgments made between four groups of non-meat eaters: health vegetarians; ethical vegetarians; health vegans, and ethical vegans. Consistent with hypotheses based on horizontal hostility and the need to maintain ingroup distinctiveness, ethical vegetarians gave unfavorable evaluations to health vegetarians relative to vegans, especially when the mainstream omnivore group was made salient. Contrary to expectations, vegans gave relatively more favorable evaluations to ethical vegetarians than health vegetarians when mainstream salience was low. This was especially true for vegans who were motivated primarily by ethical concerns. When mainstream salience was high, vegans did not distinguish between the vegetarian subgroups. Results suggest that one’s motives for abstaining from meat often play a larger role in this type of intergroup perceptions than one’s dietary practices.

According to an online survey as of June 2024, the majority of vegetarians, vegans or supporters in Brazil were living in the state of São Paulo, with over 11.1 thousand people. The second largest population of self-identified vegetarians, vegans and supporters were found in Rio de Janeiro, with more than 3.2 thousand respondents. In 2018, 14 percent of respondents in a survey in Brazil identified as vegetarians.