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.

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.

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.

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.

During four surveys carried out between January four and December 12, 2024, approximately ***** 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 *** 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 *** 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 ***** 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 ***** 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.

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 2024, about **** million people in Germany were either vegetarians or largely forgo meat consumption. Since 2014, the number of people identifying as either complete or nearly complete vegetarians has grown noticeably. Trends in German meat consumption Per capita meat consumption in Germany has changed in recent years. Except for poultry, pork and beef saw noticeable annual decreases. Consumption of meat and sausage products, for which the country is well known, varied by product, giving rise to the idea that Germans are no longer totally hesitant to give up on meat or sausages. The German vegetarian and vegan meat Substitute market The decline in German meat consumption is accompanied by a rise in the production of vegan and vegetarian meat substitutes. In 2021, close to ******* tons of these alternatives were produced in Germany. Just in the two since 2019 this production has grown by almost ****** tons. In monetary value, this means a production of meat substitutes worth close to *** million euros.

In 2024, the Asia Pacific region had the highest revenue value of plant-based milk substitutes in the world, amounting to nearly 9.9 billion U.S. dollars. In Europe, the retail sales value of milk alternatives was approximately 1.67 billion U.S. dollars. Global production of traditional milk The United States (U.S.) is one of the leading producers of traditional cow milk worldwide. In 2024, the U.S. produced approximately 228 billion pounds of milk for human consumption. The production of cow milk in the European Union (EU) has been steadily increasing for as long as the UK was included in the figures. In 2023, it amounted to nearly 144.8 million metric tons stagnating since 2021. In China, the production of cow milk was estimated to be 43.6 million metric tons in 2024. The increasing popularity of milk substitutes That year, total consumption for milk substitutes worldwide increased to a new record high of around 8.06 billion kilograms. The amount of milk substitutes consumed globally has increased since 2019. The Statista Consumer Market Outlook estimates that this trend will continue and by 2029, global consumption of milk substitutes will increase to 10.97 billion kilograms. The generated revenue of the market for milk substitutes was estimated to be around 25.23 billion U.S. dollars.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to the consumption of vegetarian diet in selected countries worldwide, India tops the list followed by Pakistan. ** percent of consumers from India as well as ** percent from Pakistan state that they follow this diet. Statista Consumer Insights offer you all results of our exclusive Statista surveys, based on more than ********* interviews.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Vegetarian & Vegan Association

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Vegetarian Food market size was USD 34125.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.90% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 13650.20 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 10237.65 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 7848.87 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1706.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 682.51 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6% from 2024 to 2031.
The Online Retailers category is the fastest growing segment of the Vegetarian Food industry

Market Dynamics of Vegetarian Food Market

Key Drivers for Vegetarian Food Market

The increasing popularity of innovative food packaging for vegan food products to Boost Market Growth

One of the most significant growth factors in the vegan food product market is the growing demand for sustainable packaging materials. The demand for eco-friendly packaging is driven by environmentally conscious consumers, who are encouraging manufacturers to implement innovative solutions. Companies such as Oatly are pioneering the implementation of carbon labeling on their products, thereby increasing consumer trust and transparency. Additionally, No Evil Foods Sacred Serve, a company headquartered in the United States, is establishing a standard for the industry by investing in the development of sustainable packaging materials. These initiatives not only address the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically packaged products, but they also mitigate the environmental impact. This shift toward innovative packaging is not merely a marketing strategy; it is a critical response to the environmental concerns associated with conventional packaging materials, which is promoting industry growth and establishing new standards in the vegan food market.

Increasing Demand for Animal Cruelty-Free Products to Drive Market Growth

Another significant factor contributing to the global vegan food market is the increasing demand for animal cruelty-free products. A shift toward vegan diets is being prompted by the growing awareness of the ethical and environmental implications of animal-meat consumption among consumers. The environmental advantages of adopting a vegan lifestyle are underscored by the fact that dairy and meat products account for approximately 60% of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, according to reports. This trend was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which raised awareness of the health implications and origins of food products due to concerns regarding zoonotic infections. As a result, there has been a substantial rise in the demand for and consumption of vegan products, as individuals endeavor to make more environmentally conscious and ethical decisions. The vegan food market is experiencing substantial growth as a result of the increasing demand for cruelty-free products and the corresponding increase in awareness.

Restraint Factor for the Vegetarian Food Market

Nutrient Deficiencies and High Cost of these products, will limit market growth

The high cost of plant-based alternatives in comparison to traditional animal-based products is a significant constraint on the vegan food market. The adoption rate of vegan products is slowed by the prohibitive prices that many consumers find. Furthermore, the taste and texture of plant-based foods frequently differ from those of animal-based foods, which may render them less appealing to certain consumers. Additionally, vegan diets may result in specific nutrient deficiencies, including anemia, low protein content, hormonal imbalances, and low Vitamin B12 levels. This requires that consumers consult with healthcare professionals to guarantee that they are provided with a nutritious die...

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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?

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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

The vegetarian supplement market, currently valued at $9,656.1 million in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2025 to 2033. This surge is fueled by several key factors. The rising global vegetarian and vegan population, driven by health consciousness, ethical concerns, and environmental awareness, forms a substantial consumer base for these products. Furthermore, increasing awareness of nutritional deficiencies associated with vegetarian diets, particularly in vitamins like B12 and D, and essential minerals like iron and calcium, is boosting demand. The market's growth is also propelled by product innovation, with manufacturers introducing a wider range of convenient and palatable formulations like gummies, powders, and liquids catering to diverse consumer preferences. The rise of online retail channels provides further accessibility and convenience, contributing to market expansion. Competitive landscape includes established players like Glanbia Plc and Sylphar N.V. alongside newer entrants like Vitamin Buddy Limited, suggesting a dynamic and evolving market. However, certain challenges remain. Price sensitivity among consumers, particularly in developing economies, may limit market penetration. Moreover, stringent regulatory requirements and quality control standards can influence the cost and availability of supplements. Maintaining consistent quality and ensuring product efficacy are key concerns for manufacturers. Despite these restraints, the long-term outlook for the vegetarian supplement market remains positive, driven by the sustained growth of the vegetarian population and increasing consumer focus on holistic wellness. Strategic partnerships with healthcare professionals and educational campaigns further promoting the importance of nutritional supplementation for vegetarians will likely play a crucial role in fostering market expansion.

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.

IntroductionIn recent years, vegetarian and vegan diets became increasingly important as they are associated with beneficial health outcomes. Therefore, the NuEva study compares the impact of flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan diets with omnivorous nutritional habits on nutrient intake and risk factors for non-communicable diseases.MethodsA dietary protocol was kept over five days and blood and 24h urine samples were collected to examine the impact of dietary habits [omnivores, n = 65 (Median/Interquartile range: 33/17 yrs.), flexitarians, n = 70 (30/17 yrs.), ovo-lacto vegetarians, n = 65 (28/14 yrs.), vegans, n = 58 (25/10 yrs.)] on nutrient intake, nutrient concentrations in plasma, serum or 24h urine, body composition, and blood lipids.ResultsThe increased exclusion of animal based foods in the diet (omnivores < flexitarians < vegetarians < vegans) is associated with a decreased intake of energy, saturated fat, cholesterol, disaccharides, and total sugar as well an increased intake of dietary fibers, beta carotene, vitamin E and K. The combined index of the B12 status (4cB12 score) in vegetarians (0.02/0.75) was lower compared to omnivores (0.34/0.58; p ≤ 0.05) and flexitarians (0.24/0.52; p ≤ 0.05). In omnivores vitamin A, vitamin E, ferritin, and the urinary excretion of selenium, iodine, and zinc were higher than in vegans (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, vegans had the highest concentrations of biotin, folate, and vitamin C. Flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans had a lower body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in comparison to omnivores (p ≤ 0.05). In omnivores the concentrations on total cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, LDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein B/ apolipoprotein A1 ratio were higher than in vegetarians and vegans (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionThe NuEva study confirms the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that adequately planned vegetarian diets are healthy, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Nevertheless, critical nutrients were identified for all groups studied. This highlights the need to develop individual nutritional concepts to ensure an adequate nutrient intake.

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