The Rise of Veganism: How Many Vegans Are in the US? (2024)

Table of Contents
Overview of Veganism Vegans In The US The income of vegans in the US varies greatly. (HuffPost, Vegan Bits) A survey by Huffington Post article suggests younger people with lower income are more likely to be vegetarian. (Huffington Post) A study conducted in the US in 2016 suggested 69% of people are vegan because of health. (Faunalytics) Animal protection is the major motive behind 68% of vegans in the US. (Faunalytics) 63% of the people adopted a vegan lifestyle because they feel disgusted about animal products such as meat. (Faunalytics) 59% of vegans are concerned about the environment. (Faunalytics) 52% of people are vegans because of taste preferences. (Faunalytics) Stats of 2020 show there are 1,474 vegan restaurants in the US. (Total Food Service) The highest number of vegan restaurants per capita are located in Washington, DC. (Health IQ) In online retail sales, ‘plant based’ was listed as the category of the year in 2021. (Business Wire) The Vegetarian Resource Group conducted a poll that showed 50.8 million adults in the US claim to eat vegan once in a while. (VRG) Portland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are among the top most vegan-friendly cities in the US. (Forbes) What Percent of Americans Are Vegans 6% of the US population is vegan. (Plant Protein Sources) Women account for 74 – 78% of the vegans in the US. (Faunalytics) Males cover a total of 22 – 26% of the vegan population in the US. (Faunalytics) According to stats of 2022, one-third of Americans want to eat more vegan food. (Veganuary) In the US, a higher percentage of people, 39% are not strictly vegan, but they aim to be. (Nielsen) Demographics of Vegans Vegans are most likely to be females under the age of 35. (Calendar UK.co) Between the age of 25 – 34, the percentage of US vegans is 44%. (Calendar UK.co) 78% of people adopted a vegan lifestyle between the ages of 16 – 34. (Calendar UK.co) Between the age of 16 – 24, 52% of people adopted a vegan lifestyle. (Calendar UK.co) The mean age for turning vegan in the US is 24.1. (Calendar UK.co) Statistics on Veganism Among all packaged meat options, plant-based meat is 2%. (Science Direct) A record of $3.1 billion was invested in alternative proteins in 2020. (Good Food Institute) The US retail sales of plant-based meat are 1.4 billion. (IDDBA) From 2018 to 2019, an increase of 11% (worth $4.5 billion) was observed in the retail of plant-based foods in the US. (Plant-Based Foods) The most reluctant US state in following the veganism trend is Mississippi. (Vegconomist) A rise in veganism will have a positive impact on the environment, as 15.4% of greenhouse gas emission is caused by animal agriculture. (FFAC) According to PETA, 91% of the Amazon rainforest’s destruction is linked to animal agriculture. (PETA) Top Vegan Food Trends in the USA in 2022 Americans have implemented a 5:2 vegan diet, in which they eat vegetables for 5 days a week and meat for 2 days. (BBC Good Food) The global vegan chocolate market size will be worth $1.4 billion by 2028, hence getting immensely popular among Americans. (Grand View Research) Except for the health benefits, vegan eggs have gained popularity in the US because they require 83% less land and 98% less water to produce. (Just Vegan) Vegan nuggets and burgers now have plant-based meat with 35% less fat. (Forbes) In 2022, a rise in mycoprotein utilization has also been observed in the US. (Science Direct) Potato milk with low saturated fats and sugar has also paved its path in the US market in 2022. (Forbes) Veganism on the Rise In 2022, plant-based food sales increased by 27%, with a market value of $7 billion. (Plant Based Food Association) It is anticipated by 2026, the plant-based meat market will register a compound growth rate of 18.9%. (Globe News Wire) In 2021, plant-based food sales increased at a rate of more than double. (The Vegan Society) In 2021, ‘plant-based protein’ online searches were on the rise by 22% in the US. (Keyword Tool) In 2020, sales of plant-based food ingredients in the US were evaluated in which soy valued at $587.1 million. (MRFR) Pea valued at $417.4. (MRFR) Soy and pea are expected to reach $1 billion and $739 million, respectively, by 2030. (MRFR) Between 2012 – 2017, the US consumption of plant-based milk increased by 17%. (Mintel) How Many Vegetarians in the USA According to different surveys, 5 to 8% of US adults consider themselves to be vegetarians. (GALLUP, Forbes) Almost 10% of Americans above 18 years old consider themselves as either vegetarian or vegan. (Alliance for Science) According to the results of a Gallup poll, both vegetarian and vegan diets are common among young individuals between the ages of 18 and 29. (Gallup) A survey conducted from 2021 to 2022 revealed that almost 7% of the people in the US between the ages of 20 and 29 are vegetarians. (Statista Research Department) Among the respondents in the same study between the ages of 50 and 59, only 2% were vegetarians. (Statista Research Department) Vegan Facts FAQs Conclusion FAQs

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Meat or tofu? That is the question. Vegans are popping up in America faster than a cow goes “Moo.” So how many vegans are in the US? And is it possible for most of our country to eat less meat? It’s not only possible; it’s probable.

Nielsen reported that a huge percentage of Americans (39%) want to be vegan and do try to eat more vegetables. Most of the world, places like Europe and Israel, are way ahead of us in our choices for a vegan entree, but we’re doing our best to catch up.

Veganism and vegetarianism are two quite different ways of life. We’ll talk about what that means, along with much more.

So sit back, get ready to learn, and grab a celery stick with some peanut butter on it.

Overview of Veganism

You might think green things are all a vegan eats, but you’d be way off-base. I was a vegan for 15 years and ate much more than vegetables. A menu for a vegan might look like this:

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  • Breakfast – Oatmeal, toast, and a protein smoothie
  • Lunch – Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich
  • Dinner – Beans and rice quesadilla and apple sauce

Veganism – A diet/way of life that consists of eating no meat or animal additives. This is often coupled with a lifestyle that includes wearing no animal protection like leather, fur, etc.

Vegetarianism – A diet that consists of eating no meat. It can include eating dairy and fish, among other things.

Over 45 million Americans go on a diet each year. But plenty of vegans think veganism is more a lifestyle than a diet. I do. I’m a pescatarian. I don’t eat meat except for fish, but since it’s for moral reasons, saving animals from abuse, it’s a way of life for me.

I also don’t wear any material that only belongs on animals – leather, fur, feathers, etc. – and I only buy cruelty-free products.

Many vegans eat this way for their health, religion, or for moral reasons. Veganism also helps our planet in plenty of ways, so those who are concerned about climate change join the revolution, too.

But are there lots of people switching steak for veggie burgers? Just how many vegans are there in the US? I’m honored to be the one to fill you in, so let’s go.

Vegans In The US

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According to Global Market Research company Ipsos, there are more than 9.7 million vegetarians in the US, with 1 million of the population completely following a vegan diet. (Global Market Research Company Ipsos, Vegetarian Times)

The number of Americans who identify as vegan has increased by more than 3,000 percent over the past 15 years.

The income of vegans in the US varies greatly. (HuffPost, Vegan Bits)

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The median household income in the US is about $54,000, so by comparison:

  • 7% – People in the less than $50,000 range are vegetarian or vegan.
  • 2% – People in the $50,000-$75,000…
  • 1% – $75,000-$100,000…
  • 2% – Over $100,000…

A survey by Huffington Post article suggests younger people with lower income are more likely to be vegetarian. (Huffington Post)

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Young Americans are passionate about lining up their lifestyles with what they believe in – For the climate, animals, or other interests. It doesn’t matter how much money they make.

Vegetarians who were between ages 18 and 34 made up 6% of Huffington Post’s survey respondents. Only 2% were over age 55.

A study conducted in the US in 2016 suggested 69% of people are vegan because of health. (Faunalytics)

People are taking healthcare into their own hands. The latest Gallup poll, conducted in Dec 2022 on health and healthcare, confirms the following:

  1. The latest excellent/good rating for US healthcare quality is two percentage points lower than in 2021.
  2. But it is far below the 62% high point twice recorded in the early 2010s.
  3. It’s also behind the average 55% reading since 2001.

The American public is looking for healthier diets so they can take some healthcare-related issues into their own hands.

Animal protection is the major motive behind 68% of vegans in the US. (Faunalytics)

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The statistic highlights the importance of animal welfare and protection as a driving force behind many individuals’ decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle in the United States.

This was my reason in 1995 when I became vegan and still is today as a pescatarian. Lots of animal rights activists are vegan or vegetarian. The two go hand-in-hand.

63% of the people adopted a vegan lifestyle because they feel disgusted about animal products such as meat. (Faunalytics)

If people knew what was in meat – the excrement, additives, viruses, etc. – a lot more of us would be on the “disgusted bandwagon.” But I’ve also heard people say, “I don’t want to know what’s in it. I just want to eat it.”

59% of vegans are concerned about the environment. (Faunalytics)

This is because animal agriculture has been identified as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution.

There is a fascinating article that explains how veganism helps our environment. It’s one of the most cohesive, truthful articles on the subject I’ve ever read.

52% of people are vegans because of taste preferences. (Faunalytics)

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This statistic surprised me. Now I know a large percentage of people enjoy fruits, vegetables, and legumes more than meat and dairy. Good to know.

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Stats of 2020 show there are 1,474 vegan restaurants in the US. (Total Food Service)

London, UK alone has 200 vegan restaurants. Although the above stat shows a paltry amount for a country as large as the US, it’s a start.

The highest number of vegan restaurants per capita are located in Washington, DC. (Health IQ)

In 2021, Veg News reported there are a number of animal-rights organizations and vegan health groups like Compassion Over Killing, Animal Welfare Institute, and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine within the city.

In online retail sales, ‘plant based’ was listed as the category of the year in 2021. (Business Wire)

This shows a 199% YOY (Year Over Year) growth in online retail sales. In 2021, plant-based food sales were 2.5 times faster than in 2018–2020.

The Vegetarian Resource Group conducted a poll that showed 50.8 million adults in the US claim to eat vegan once in a while. (VRG)

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So around 15% of the entire country has at least tried veganism. The unknown factor is if they tried it for a day, a week, or a month.

Portland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are among the top most vegan-friendly cities in the US. (Forbes)

You can be served an entirely vegan meal in Portland from more than 50 different restaurants. There are 200 purely vegan and around 300 vegan/vegetarian places to go in Los Angeles. San Francisco, a city of over 3 million people, has over 450 vegan listings to go meatless.

What Percent of Americans Are Vegans

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6% of the US population is vegan. (Plant Protein Sources)

This was a 500% (five hundred!) percent – or 6x the amount – increase from 2014 when it was 1%. Veganism is skyrocketing across the US and shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

Women account for 74 – 78% of the vegans in the US. (Faunalytics)

I could say that women are wiser than men when it comes to nutritional choices. I could say they’re stronger and more apt to stand by their convictions. But I won’t!

Males cover a total of 22 – 26% of the vegan population in the US. (Faunalytics)

Males are getting in on the action, too. As they learn there’s more than meat protein that keeps a body strong, and about the other health benefits as well, this number will continue to increase. According to Calendar-UK, a study following nearly 61,000 adults found it’s one of the best ways to stay fit and lean.

According to stats of 2022, one-third of Americans want to eat more vegan food. (Veganuary)

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Since 2014, the website Veganuary has signed up over 2.5 million people who want to try veganism. Their vision is for a vegan world with no slaughterhouses. The current momentum is in their favor.

In the US, a higher percentage of people, 39% are not strictly vegan, but they aim to be. (Nielsen)

This stat is worth reiterating since it shows how many Americans want to try plant-based diets for their own reasons. When it gets down to our health and our planet being in peril, people start to take notice and realize veganism is one way to improve both.

Demographics of Vegans

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Vegans are most likely to be females under the age of 35. (Calendar UK.co)

This stat falls in line with the demographic that is carrying the torch towards the veganism finish line. Females are also more likely to try new diets of any kind.

Between the age of 25 – 34, the percentage of US vegans is 44%. (Calendar UK.co)

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This screams that younger generations are more health-conscious and/or more likely to change their lifestyles for a cause. Out of the mouths of babes…

78% of people adopted a vegan lifestyle between the ages of 16 – 34. (Calendar UK.co)

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Many moons ago, when I was 30 years old, I began my no-meat journey. It’s a way of life I’m proud of, and it lines up with this stat.

Between the age of 16 – 24, 52% of people adopted a vegan lifestyle. (Calendar UK.co)

Progressive, dedicated, and hopeful young people are paving the way for America to follow. Although the most frequent ages for them to go vegan are 19, 20, and 21.

The mean age for turning vegan in the US is 24.1. (Calendar UK.co)

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In 2022, about four percent of 20 to 29-year-olds in the UK stated they followed a vegan diet. Young people around the world are staking their claim that this is a better way of life.

Statistics on Veganism

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Among all packaged meat options, plant-based meat is 2%. (Science Direct)

According to the Plant Based Foods Association, ⅓ of Americans are reducing the amount of meat and dairy in their diets. Flexitarians (those who go vegan sporadically) represent the largest group for growth in plant-based products.

A record of $3.1 billion was invested in alternative proteins in 2020. (Good Food Institute)

In 2020, the increase in retail sales of plant-based foods continued by double digits equaling 7 billion dollars. Every US census region showed more than 25% growth.

The US retail sales of plant-based meat are 1.4 billion. (IDDBA)

The US retail sales of plant-based milk is 2.5 billion dollars. Plant-based meal sales come in at 520 million dollars.

From 2018 to 2019, an increase of 11% (worth $4.5 billion) was observed in the retail of plant-based foods in the US. (Plant-Based Foods)

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In 2020, refrigerated plant-based meat sales grew 75%. Sixty-three percent of US shoppers are high-repeat customers.

The most reluctant US state in following the veganism trend is Mississippi. (Vegconomist)

They’re followed by South Dakota, North Dakota, and Alabama. Poverty, tradition, and location (rural or urban) all have a part to play in this.

A rise in veganism will have a positive impact on the environment, as 15.4% of greenhouse gas emission is caused by animal agriculture. (FFAC)

The current practices of meat, egg, and dairy production are not only inefficient but also unsustainable. These practices contribute to climate change, environmental degradation, and antibiotic resistance, and it’s crucial to take action to address these issues.

This stat is higher than any influence on the environment by the transport sector.

According to PETA, 91% of the Amazon rainforest’s destruction is linked to animal agriculture. (PETA)

Deforestation, the clearing of trees, is largely due to agricultural farming industries to make room for animals to graze and to plant food for those animals waiting to be slaughtered. Felled trees emit carbon dioxide, which fuels climate change.

Top Vegan Food Trends in the USA in 2022

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Americans have implemented a 5:2 vegan diet, in which they eat vegetables for 5 days a week and meat for 2 days. (BBC Good Food)

Deciding to be flexitarian is the easiest way to go vegan. It doesn’t ‘shock the system’ so much and gradually introduces a person to veganism. A ‘plant-based’ diet describes one that doesn’t have a large proportion of meat.

The global vegan chocolate market size will be worth $1.4 billion by 2028, hence getting immensely popular among Americans. (Grand View Research)

Cadbury introduced its dairy-free version of their candy bar in 2021 in the UK. Accompanying it included a letter that read in part, “Sorry it’s taken this long. Sorry, it seemed like we weren’t listening to your calls … And sorry for all the other chocolate you’ve had to eat while you waited. We simply wanted it to be perfect.”

Except for the health benefits, vegan eggs have gained popularity in the US because they require 83% less land and 98% less water to produce. (Just Vegan)

Sometimes we don’t think about the production costs of our food when that is the very thing that accelerates climate change. Ag production = Using land and water.

Vegan nuggets and burgers now have plant-based meat with 35% less fat. (Forbes)

Since plant-based diets are no longer a fad, companies are responding with what (mostly) women want…Lowfat products.

In 2022, a rise in mycoprotein utilization has also been observed in the US. (Science Direct)

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Since 1985, mycoprotein has been a food choice and is the ingredient name for a food-grade protein source. This protein is made from a type of fungus, Fusarium venenatum (PTA 2684). It was developed specifically for the production of food-grade protein.

Potato milk with low saturated fats and sugar has also paved its path in the US market in 2022. (Forbes)

There are at least 15 non-dairy milk in the US market, including banana, rice, hazelnut, and my two favorites, soy, and almond. Some Americans are realizing the stress and pain inflicted on cows to produce milk; others are making the change for health reasons or allergies.

Veganism on the Rise

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In 2022, plant-based food sales increased by 27%, with a market value of $7 billion. (Plant Based Food Association)

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In 2020, refrigerated plant-based meat sales grew 75%. These products were often placed directly beside traditional meat. This form of advertising, or product placement, helped put meat-free products front and center, and consumers responded.

This propelled refrigerated plant-based meat sales, which increased more than twice as fast as frozen plant-based meat sales.

It is anticipated by 2026, the plant-based meat market will register a compound growth rate of 18.9%. (Globe News Wire)

Manufacturers stay busy to keep up with the demand and expand their retail presence through physical stores. Example: Subway and Beyond Meat collaborated to add pea protein options to their menu and created the Beyond Meatball Marinara sub sandwich.

In 2021, plant-based food sales increased at a rate of more than double. (The Vegan Society)

…which equaled 7.4 billion dollars worth of sales. And in 2022, Good Food Institute reported that plant-based food sales are growing 3 times faster than total food sales.

In 2021, ‘plant-based protein’ online searches were on the rise by 22% in the US. (Keyword Tool)

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Consumers took it to the Internet. Also, in 2021, Google searches for ‘vegan food near me’ had a more than 5000% increase. Searches for recipes, definitions of veganism, and how to go vegan are keeping Google busy.

In 2020, sales of plant-based food ingredients in the US were evaluated in which soy valued at $587.1 million. (MRFR)

In 2020, the pandemic created an abrupt increase in demand for plant-based alternatives around the world. This swell caused some slaughterhouses to close (yay!). Meat-less manufacturers took the opportunity to increase advertising and product offers.

Pea valued at $417.4. (MRFR)

Healthline reports pea protein powder is a high-quality protein (80%) full of iron, branched-chain amino acids, and arginine. They go on to say, “It’s digested and absorbed well and works with a variety of diets.”

Extracting protein from yellow peas creates this supplement which can help in weight loss and muscle growth.

Examples of products it can be used in:

  1. Meat and dairy alternatives
  2. Nutrition and sports bars
  3. Snacks and baked goods
  4. Beverages

Soy and pea are expected to reach $1 billion and $739 million, respectively, by 2030. (MRFR)

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I’ve been eating soy since I became, at first, a vegan. The soy products of that era were not the soy products of today. Due to demand, manufacturers have scrambled to create better-tasting soy and, in many ways, have succeeded in doing so.

The health benefits of soy are arguable, depending on who’s describing them. Some naysayers think soy is overrated. The facts from Harvard University, as well as many other reputable sources, are:

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  1. There are 14 grams of protein in one soy patty (burger).
  2. There are 7 grams of protein in one cup of soy milk.
  3. There are 4 grams of protein in one oz. of soy cheese.

I eat all of the above, and these totals are listed on the products themselves.

Between 2012 – 2017, the US consumption of plant-based milk increased by 17%. (Mintel)

WebMD reports that between 2018-2022, the consumption of cow’s milk dropped by 13%. If the US stays on this trajectory, hopefully, dairy farms will be a thing of the past. They’re highly abusive to the animals, including calves, and should have been closed down long ago.

How Many Vegetarians in the USA

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According to different surveys, 5 to 8% of US adults consider themselves to be vegetarians. (GALLUP, Forbes)

People who don’t consider themselves vegetarian are starting to dip their toes in the water and focus on hybrid meat-veggie foods. It’s a compromise of the two diets.

For those who don’t particularly like the taste of plant-based foods, companies are beginning to make things like cauliflower and kale mixed with meat. Now there’s a good choice for a skeptic.

Almost 10% of Americans above 18 years old consider themselves as either vegetarian or vegan. (Alliance for Science)

Eating less meat saves animals. Period. Not to mention the abuse they experience at the hands of some slaughterhouse employees. I won’t link graphic videos here, but I have in other articles. You can find them on the Internet that show, without a doubt, that animal abuse is rampant in factory farming.

According to the results of a Gallup poll, both vegetarian and vegan diets are common among young individuals between the ages of 18 and 29. (Gallup)

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Ethical Globe suggests that research shows when 25% of a population adopts a belief or behavior, it acts as motivation towards the behavior and away from the mainstream. If this is correct, Millennials and Gen Z-ers will be trailblazing the path toward veganism as a way of life.

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A survey conducted from 2021 to 2022 revealed that almost 7% of the people in the US between the ages of 20 and 29 are vegetarians. (Statista Research Department)

Ethical Globe goes on to say that a study from 2021 with respondents being 10,000 young people in 10 countries revealed their feelings about climate change:

  1. Very or extremely worried
  2. 50% felt powerless, angry, and afraid.
  3. Thirty-eight percent of 18-24 year olds say they’re worried about the environmental impact of keeping and killing non-human animals for food.

Just 20% of people over age 55 worry about this issue.

They actually have a name for the feelings created by climate change. It’s called “climate anxiety.”

Among the respondents in the same study between the ages of 50 and 59, only 2% were vegetarians. (Statista Research Department)

I’m in this age bracket, and it’s rare for me to find another vegan/vegetarian in my age group. We were raised on meat and potatoes and actually had a planet that hadn’t sustained the weight it’s being crushed under currently. Or we weren’t aware of it anyway.

Vegan Facts

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  • High-income households are significantly more likely to be omnivorous (75% vs. 67%) compared to low-income households. (Ipsos)
  • A 2018 Oxford University study found that the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact is to avoid animal products. (Plantproteins.co)
  • The market for vegan leather will reach up to $89.6 billion by 2025. (Vegconomist)
  • The most consistently ‘vegan’ state is Oregon, achieving the highest search value for 12 years out of 15. (Vegconomist)
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  • Popular plant-based products are milk, ice cream, cheese, butter, and others. (Allied Market Research)
  • Nowadays, many companies which make plant-based nuggets boast that their product contains only seven ingredients, at just 120 calories but 13g of protein per serving. (Forbes)
  • In recent years, several meat-free fast-food restaurants have opened across the U.S. These include Veggie Grill, Plant Power Fast Food, Monty’s Good Burger, and Amy’s Drive-Thru.
  • Los Angeles offers 19 Thai vegan restaurants, a vegan cheese-dedicated restaurant, a gourmet vegan Japanese restaurant, and so much more. (Total Food Service)
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  • Maybe the US is not the leading country in the world when it comes to veganism, but the demand for more vegan and vegetarian-based food is on the rise. (Total Food Service)

FAQs

Is Veganism Growing?

Swiftly. You’ve seen the numbers. They’re not trickling in but growing exponentially.

Who Are Partial Vegetarians?

Flexitarians eat meat sometimes and a plant-based diet at other times.

How Hard Is It To Become a Vegan?

Slow and steady wins the race. Going from a complete omnivore to being a vegan or vegetarian in a day or even a week is extremely difficult. Start by going on a meat-free diet for one day a week and slowly work your way to two days, then three, and so on.

As I write, my sister is making the change by starting this way. Her reason for the decision? “I want to make a difference for the better… for our granddaughters’ future. They shouldn’t have to be afraid; there’s not going to be a planet left when they grow up.” She’s 65 years old.

Where Is Veganism Most Popular in the US?

The states with the most vegans/vegetarians are Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and California.

Can You Raise Children Vegan?

Absolutely. I raised my daughter as a vegan during her formative years. It’s tough due to societal pressures but worth it.

Conclusion

If I had a magic wand, I’d wave it and wish our entire country were vegans. Animal cruelty in agricultural farming settings would stop. Our planet could begin repairing itself (if it still can). And so many human lives would be saved.

Eating meat is killing… It’s killing precious animal lives that are sentient yet have no say in the matter. It’s killing precious human lives who have illnesses related to meat consumption. It’s killing our precious planet. Tree by tree.

If you’re not vegan or vegetarian, please think about it. Start eating plant-based foods one day a month and then see how it goes. And if you’re already a vegan or vegetarian, you should be wearing an “S” on your chest because you’re a hero.

I try hard to be factual with every article I write, and this one was no different. I also become emotional when it comes to this issue. Why? We can stop all the pain and destruction just by putting different foods in our stomachs.

So keep it up, America! We’re going in the right direction, and I have four words for you. Thank you so much!

The Rise of Veganism: How Many Vegans Are in the US? (2024)

FAQs

The Rise of Veganism: How Many Vegans Are in the US? ›

While there is no exact figure for the percentage of vegetarians in the US as of 2023, data from various sources suggest a significant increase in the number of people adopting a vegan lifestyle. According to a recent survey, about 5% of Americans consider themselves vegetarians, and 3% consider themselves vegans.

What percentage of the US is vegan? ›

We are the one (half) percent

Based on a sampling of 11,000 adults, aged 17 and over, only two percent of Americans are vegetarian. Only one-in-four vegetarians — or 0.5% of the USA adult population — is vegan. Only half of one percent of the USA population — or 1.62 million of us — is vegan.

Is there a rise in vegan population? ›

Moreover, in 2020, India had around 500 million vegetarians and around five million being strict vegans. While veganism is still in the nascent stages in India, it is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities in the sector.

Is veganism increasing or decreasing? ›

Average annual growth in global food and beverage launches with vegan and plant-based claims grew 21% and 58% between 2015-2019, respectively. Source: Innova Market Insights, The Future of Plant-based September 2020.

What is the percentage of people becoming vegan? ›

2016 saw an additional 126,000 people turn to veganism, resulting in a total 276,000 people (now 0.46% of the population). However three years later saw the most notable jump. In 2019 an incredible 600,000 people attested to now following the vegan lifestyle - making it 1.16% of the population!

Which country is #1 for vegans? ›

Compared to all the countries in the world, the UK has the most vegans. Recent statistics show that the popularity of veganism is growing in the UK.

What country has the highest rate of vegans? ›

India is thought to have the most vegetarians globally, with up to 42% of the population avoiding meat products.

Why are vegans increasing? ›

For some, it's for ethical reasons. They care for animals and don't want to see them suffer. Others have become more aware of the impact of animal-based diets on the environment. This makes them more willing to forego meat to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Which state has the most vegans? ›

Hawaii, Oregon, and New York are the most vegan-obsessed states in America.

Is veganism growing 2023? ›

The global vegan food market will grow from $16.05 billion in 2022 to $18.27 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%.

What percent of America is vegetarian or vegan? ›

About 10 percent of Americans over the age of 18 consider themselves vegan or vegetarian as of January 2022.

What percent of the US is vegetarian or vegan? ›

Vegan Population Statistics in the US

11 000 people 17-years old and older were surveyed recently, and the results revealed that 2% of Americans are vegetarian. Of these, one-in-four are vegan, making for 0.5% of the total population.

What percent of the world is vegan? ›

Almost 1–2 Percent of the World's Population Is Vegan. (The Vegan Society) A study by the University of Oxford in 2016 noted the following if the world went vegan: By 2050, 8 million human lives could be saved.

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