Revealing Vegan Statistics: Veganism Is on the Rise in 2022

Vegan statistics are rising worldwide, and there’s more than one reason why. The diet is here to stay, change our wellbeing, and heal the planet. 

Want to know more about veganism? Apart from being good for Earth, it can also lower your risk of cancer by 15%. 

Let’s take a closer look to understand why the numbers are increasing.

Little Known Vegan Stats:

• In 2021, the vegan food market was worth over $16 billion.
• Each second, we lose 700 yards of land for farmed animals and their food.
• Animal products are responsible for 58% of all food emissions.
• 780 million people don’t have access to water, while over a third of it goes to animals.
• 2% of the US population identify as vegan.
• Three in four US vegans are female.
• Following a vegan diet could reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 35%.
• The US plant-based milk market is worth $2.5 billion alone.
• In 2020, plant-based food sales grew twice as fast as overall food sales.

Vegan Facts and Statistics

With veganism on the rise, let’s find out more about its current trends.

1. In 2021, the Vegan Food Market Was Worth Over $16 Billion.

(Source: Statista)

• The vegan market is expected to reach $22 billion by 2025.
• Between 2016–2021, the baby food market of vegan and vegetarian alternatives increased by approximately 10%.
• If you follow an entirely plant-based diet, your risk of type 2 diabetes can decrease by as much as 23%.

Thanks to the increasing desire to learn more about this diet’s positive effects on the environment, the plant-based industry keeps growing. 

Vegan Environmental Statistics

The more we know about animal byproduct consumption and what it’s doing to our planet, the more we change our way of thinking.  

2. Each Minute, We Lose 700 Yards of Land for Farmed Animals and Their Food

(Source: Peta)

• 80% of the US agricultural land is used for the same thing — that’s nearly half of the lower 48 states’ total landmass.
• Veganism facts show that farmed animals are the biggest water consumers in the US, with a single cow gulping down over 50 gallons a day.
• Shockingly, it takes over 2,400 gallons of water to make just one pound of cow meat.

When we think about the environment, we rarely consider what goes on in food production. But despite the rise in vegan statistics, the numbers on global warming aren’t getting better.

3. Animal Products Are Responsible For 58% Of All Food Emissions

(Source: BBC)

• Additionally, all food contributes 26% of global emissions.
• 50% of those come from beef and lamb alone.
• Methane ranks among the main gas contributors that make global warming worse. 40% of it comes directly from cows. As the demand for beef increases, so does its effect on our planet. 

Unsurprisingly, human-related activities are scientifically proven to produce 60% methane that otherwise wouldn’t be there. But there’s more than the vegan environmental statistics on air pollution you should worry about.

4. 780 Million People Don’t Have Access to Water, While Over a Third of It Goes to Animals

(Source: Vegan Outreach)

• Animal agriculture classifies among the leading causes of deforestation, pushing many species further into human-populated areas. It poses a massive health risk for us as more viruses mutate and transmit from animals to people. 
• We’re also losing a vast amount of endangered species due to our high demand for food. So much so that many types of gorillas are critically endangered.
• If we replace all animal products, we could sustain 350 million more people.

So, we can see the impact we’re having, but let’s zoom in on the numbers in the US.

Vegan Statistics in the US

The US boasts the highest vegan population worldwide, which has a massive effect on this diet. 

5. 6% Of the US Population Identifies As Vegan

(Source: ReportBuyer) 

• Additionally, 39% try to incorporate plant-based foods into their diet. 
• So, who’s responsible for the rising statistics on vegans? Millennials account for 40% of vegans, while baby boomers and Generation X each make up 21%.
• Counting the precise number of American vegans remains impossible, but it’s between 2%–6%.

Another interesting aspect to consider is the vegan statistics on demographics. Let’s dive right in.

6. Three in Four US Vegans Are Female

(Source: Vegan Bits)

• What’s more, there are 52% liberal, 15% conservative, and 34% neutral vegans.
• Surprisingly, most of the vegan population earns less than the average American income — $54,000 annually. 
• The US has the largest concentration of vegans, followed by Japan, Germany, and the UK.

Speaking of which, let’s check the plant-based numbers around the globe.

Vegan Statistics Worldwide

Although the US holds the largest vegan population, other countries aren’t far behind. The vegan statistics in the UK are also rising. 

7. Between 2014–2019, the Number of UK Vegans Quadrupled

(Source: Plant Based News)

• That’s 150,000 vegans in 2014, increasing up to 600,000 in 2019.
• Veganuary started in 2014. It’s an event in January where non-profit organizations challenge citizens to give up meat for a month and learn more about veganism. Out of the 500,000 people that pledged in 2020, an astounding 125,000 came from the UK.
•  The UK meat substitute market is worth $476 million.

If you think the UK’s leading the pack, wait until you hear the Japanese statistics on veganism.

8. 1.3 Million Japanese Citizens Are Vegan — That’s 1% of the Population

(Source: Tokyoesque)

• 61% of the population have tried at least one milk alternative (soy, almond, or oat).
• Interestingly, the vegan gender gap is much lower than in the US — 37% male and 34% female, respectively.
• It’s not just the food that’s vegan-focused. Nagai Sake Brewery has a range of certified vegan sake. Besides, in 2018, 31.2 million visitors to Japan were either on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

But there’s a lot to say about vegan statistics in Australia, too.

9. 2% Of Australians Are Vegan

(Source: Vegan Australia)

• That’s a total of 500,000 Australians.
• Vegetarianism is also on the rise, with almost 2.5 million Australian followers.
• Around 10 million are also dedicated to eating less red meat.

Vegan statistics are on the rise everywhere, with Germany leading the pack in Europe.

10. In 2020, There Were 2.6 Million Vegans in Germany

(Source: Veg News)

• That’s double the amount recorded in 2016.
• A total of 3.2% of the German population is vegan, making them the largest vegan population in Europe.
• Right behind it are Denmark and Switzerland, with 2.7% and 2.6% vegan populations.

Now let’s go back a little closer to the US and explore what vegan statistics in Canada have to say.

11. Canadian Google Searches for Vegan-Related Info Have Increased by 117% Since 2016

(Source: Live Kindly)

• What’s more, vegan leather searches have risen by 94% between 2018 and 2019.
• 58% of Canadian millennials have tried vegan meat.
• Two out of three Canadian vegans are either Generation Z or millennials.

So, it’s clear that the plant-based trend is on the rise worldwide. But what makes people so interested in the diet? 

Vegan Diet Statistics

These vegan diet health statistics might help us understand why the number of plant-based fans is increasing steadily.

 12. A Vegan Diet Could Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer by 35%

(Source: VegWorld Magazine)

• Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for men, right behind lung cancer.
• But that’s not all. Your chances of colorectal cancer can reduce by 9%–18% from eating legumes (chickpeas, peanuts, black beans, green peas, lima beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, and navy beans) frequently.
• A study conducted over 30 years that explored vegan vs meat eater statistics reported that vegans are less likely to die at a young age.

More and more studies show the harsh reality of what processed meat does to the body. This isn’t just for us humans, pet owners are choosing homemade dog food over highly processed kibble. 

But are there any consequences of the plant-based diet? Let’s explore the controversial vegan nutrient deficiency statistics.

13. Poorly Planned Vegan Diets Are Causing Malnutrition in First World Countries

(Source: Science Alert)

• Low calcium and vitamin D levels are reportedly two of the leading vegan health issues.  
• Bone fractures are also nearly a third higher in vegans compared to the general population.
• 28% of vegans in the UK have a diagnosed nutrient deficiency.

We suggest you do your research on vegan health statistics to see if it’s something you might want to try. There are more good sides to it. 

14. A Vegan Diet Can Lower Your Risk of Cancer by 15%

(Source: Medical News Today)

• American plant-based followers have a higher chance of a low BMI than pesco-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, and omnivorous diets.  
• Aside from these health benefits, did you know that one vegan can save over eight animals per month?
• Additionally, veganism could save close to eight million lives by 2050.

These statistics show not only the health benefits for us but our planet, too. Let’s hear some positive news.  

15. On a Vegan Diet, You May lose 197% More Weight Than with The American Heart Association Diet

(Source: Healthline)

• A one-year study of a vegan diet vs a low-fat diet found that those on the vegan diet lost over double the amount of weight, losing on average 6.8 lbs. compared to 1.8 lbs. 
• Looking at diabetes study, a vegan diet decreased blood sugar levels by 28%, while a low-fat diet decreased the level by 12%.
• A vegan diet can improve energy levels in those with osteoarthritis.

These statistics show not only the health benefits for us but our planet, too. Let’s hear some positive news.  

Hopeful Vegan Statistics

There are signs that the global veganism trend is on the rise.

16. The US Plant-Based Milk Market Is Worth $2.5 Billion Alone

(Source: Good Food Institute)

• That’s a 20% market growth since 2019. Additionally, it makes up 15% of all retail milk sales.
• Plant-based milk has a 75% repeat buy pattern that shows no signs of slowing down.
• In 2020, unit sales grew by 18%.

Plant-based options help many people with dairy allergies to enjoy milk again. Similarly, dog food options for allergies can benefit your pet if it’s lactose-intolerant.

The milk industry isn’t alone. Vegan food market statistics are hot on their tail with hopeful signs of following in the footsteps of plant-based milk. 

17. In 2020, Plant-Based Food Sales Grew Twice as Fast as Overall Food Sales

(Source: Good Food Institute)

• Between 2019–2020 the plant-based meat market increased by $430 million, making it worth $1.4 billion.
• In the same period, over 290 million plant-based meat units were sold in the US.
• While not as impressive as the milk, its repeat buy rate still holds at 63%.

Vegan meat statistics are rising with a steady increase in dollar sales, meaning more and more people consider veganism a lifestyle choice. 

Wrap Up

We now know that vegan stats are growing worldwide in unprecedented ways, with the US leading the pack, followed by Germany, Japan, and the UK.

One of the main reasons behind this trend is our growing awareness of the animal-based products’ effect on our planet and health. After all, they’re responsible for 58% of all food emissions.

What’s more, there is some good news, with vegan statistics showing that a plant-based diet can lower your risk of cancer by 15%. 

We hope this information helped you learn more about veganism.

FAQ

How many vegans are there in the world?

As of January 2021, approximately 79 million. While veganism is growing, it still covers only 1% of the global population. But if the diet keeps its steady growth rate, it’s predicted to increase to one in 10 people within the next 10 years.

How many vegans in the US?

Figuring out the precise number is near impossible. Still, if we take the lower range of 2%–6% of the US population being vegan, that would mean 6.5 million US people are vegan. On the higher end, that would be as many as 19 million.

Why are people vegan, according to statistics?

90% of vegans said that animal welfare was a major contributing factor to their decision, not surprising when you know how horrendous animal testing is. The environmental aspect and climate change come in second, with 63% claiming that influenced their choice. Lastly, health and nutrition win over 53% of vegans. 

What percentage of vegans quit?

A 2014 study found that 84% of vegans and vegetarians don’t stick to the diet. That said, there’s still lots of criticism surrounding the findings. As veganism and vegetarianism are very different, a study shouldn’t look at them the same way. 

Is a vegan diet more healthy?

It depends. But if we look at things from an overall perspective, then yes. Compared to eating animal products with high-fat content and little nutritional value, a vegan diet is healthier. Then again, you need to do your research on vegan statistics to see what works best for you and your health.

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