What Percent of Americans Are Vegan? The Latest Statistics

Veganism is a way of life and diet that forbids the consumption of animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. It also includes avoiding animal-derived products such as leather, wool, and silk. People are becoming more interested in it because they care about animal welfare, the environment, and health.

Knowing how many vegans there are in America is critical for businesses, policymakers, and consumers. Food companies, for example, can use this information to meet the growing demand for plant-based products, while lawmakers can use it to inform dietary guidelines and environmental policies. Whether you're a vegan, thinking about switching to a plant-based diet, or just curious, keep reading to learn about the statistics and insights on how many Americans are vegan.

Key Takeaways

• Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that excludes the consumption of animal products.

• Understanding the prevalence of veganism in America is important for businesses, policymakers, and consumers to make informed decisions.

• Studies show that younger people are more likely to adopt a vegan diet with around 10% identifying as vegans.

• The number of vegans has increased over the last decade—driven by factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and social-political issues.

Current State of Veganism in America

Veganism is rapidly evolving as many Americans adopt the vegan lifestyle. 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. Only 2% of Americans identified as vegan in 2012, implying the vegan population growth.

Trends in the Growth of Veganism

One of the key trends driving the growth of veganism is the increased availability of plant-based options in restaurants and grocery stores. Many restaurants and fast-food chains are now offering vegan options. Grocery stores now carry a wide variety of plant-based products, making it easier than ever to live a vegan lifestyle.

Related: What Candies Are Vegan? Your Guide To Vegan-Friendly Candies

CookUnity Vegan Meal Delivery Service

As veganism continues to gain popularity across the United States, so does the demand for high-quality, plant-based meal options. Cook Unity Vegan Home Meal Delivery has been growing in response to this trend, offering a diverse range of chef-curated meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. With an emphasis on sustainability, flavor, and convenience, Cook Unity is committed to providing its customers with a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, while also supporting local farms and businesses.

Factors Driving the Increase in Veganism

The factors driving the increase in veganism include:

• Health

More people are adopting a vegan diet to improve their health. Studies have shown that plant-based diets can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

• Animal Welfare

Growing awareness about the treatment of animals in the food industry has led many people to switch to a vegan diet to reduce animal suffering.

• Environment

The impact of animal agriculture on the environment, including deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution, has led to more people adopting veganism to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

• Social Norms

Veganism is becoming more accepted and normalized in American society, making more people feel comfortable adopting a vegan diet. Additionally, celebrities and influencers have helped to popularize veganism and promote its benefits.

Related: What Percentage of the Population Is Vegetarian?

Demographics of Vegans in America

Regarding veganism in America, there is a diverse group of followers across different ages, gender, and ethnic groups.

• Age

Vegans tend to be younger than the general population, with the majority falling between 18 and 34. Younger generations are more attuned to animal welfare, climate change, and health issues and are more likely to adopt a plant-based diet.

Age	Vegetarian %	Vegan %
18 - 29	7	3
30 - 49	8	4
50 - 64	3	1
65+	2	3

• Gender

Women are also more likely to be vegan, with 9% of women identifying as vegan compared to 3% of men. Gender disparity is thought to be linked to the perception that veganism is a more compassionate and nurturing lifestyle, qualities that are traditionally associated with femininity.

• Ethnicity

African Americans are more likely to adopt a vegan diet than other groups, with 8% identifying as vegan. It can be attributed to the higher prevalence of health issues like heart disease and diabetes within African American communities.

• Social-Political

Veganism intersects with various social and political issues, such as feminism and climate change. For instance, veganism is associated with feminist ideals, including opposing the exploitation of animals and promoting gender equality.

A vegan diet is considered one of the most effective ways to reduce one's carbon footprint, making it an attractive option for those concerned about the environment. Veganism has often been viewed as a solution to various societal and environmental challenges.

Challenges and Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle

While there are many reasons people choose to live a vegan lifestyle, there are also some challenges. This section will examine the benefits and drawbacks of going vegan.

Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle

• Reduced risk of chronic diseases: A vegan diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

• Improved digestion and gut health: Vegan diets tend to be higher in fiber, which can improve digestion and promote good gut health.

• Lower environmental impact: A vegan diet has a lower carbon footprint than a diet that includes animal products. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

• Reduced animal suffering: By not consuming animal products, vegans are reducing the demand for animal products and, in turn, reducing the suffering of animals in the food industry.

Challenges of a Vegan Lifestyle

• Higher cost of vegan foods: Vegan foods can be more expensive than non-vegan options, particularly for processed and packaged foods.

• Limited availability of vegan options: Vegan options may be limited in some restaurants, grocery stores, and social events, making it challenging to stick to a vegan diet.

• Social stigma and misconceptions about veganism: There can be negative attitudes towards veganism, and some people may have misconceptions about what a vegan diet entails. It can lead to social exclusion or pressure to conform to non-vegan norms.

Related: 30 Vegan Breakfast Ideas: Start the Day with a Nutritious Vegan-friendly Meal

What Percent of Americans Are Vegan? FAQs

Q: How Is a Vegan Diet Different From a Vegetarian Diet?

A: A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, while a vegetarian diet typically includes some animal products, such as dairy and eggs.

Q: How Can You Ensure They Get All the Nutrients They Need on a Vegan Diet?

A: A well-planned vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients. Still, it's important to pay attention to certain nutrients that may be harder to get on a vegan diet, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Vegans may need to supplement or be mindful of food choices to ensure they get enough nutrients.

Q: What Are Some Tips for Transitioning to a Vegan Diet?

A: Some tips for transitioning to a vegan diet include:

• Gradually reducing animal products over time.
• Experiment with new plant-based foods and recipes.
• Finding vegan-friendly restaurants and grocery stores.
• Connecting with other vegans for support and advice.

Q: What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Veganism?

A: Some common misconceptions about veganism include the belief that it is difficult or expensive to follow a vegan diet, that vegans don't get enough protein or nutrients, and that veganism is an extreme or fringe lifestyle. However, with careful planning and attention to nutrition, a vegan diet can be healthy and sustainable for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Related: The Vegan Diet: Advantages and Disadvantages

Conclusion

Veganism is becoming more popular in America due to health, animal welfare, and environmental concerns. According to recent studies, about 3% of Americans identify themselves as vegan, and this figure is rising. While a vegan lifestyle has many advantages, such as lowering the risk of chronic diseases and reducing environmental impact, some drawbacks include cost, availability of options, and social stigma.

We encourage you to consider the benefits of a vegan lifestyle and how your food choices affect your health, animals, and the environment. However, it is critical to recognize and overcome the challenges of adopting this lifestyle. There are numerous resources available if you want to learn more about veganism and plant-based diets.

References: Gallup VRG.org Faunalytics Retailnext