Topic: Veganism and vegetarianism in the U.S. (2024)

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    Vegan and vegetarian products are not exclusively for those who follow these diets. For instance, meat substitutes producers target meat consumers with products that imitate the original taste and texture of meat products. The United States is one of the most developed markets for vegan and vegetarian meat substitutes. While the global per-capita consumption is only just beginning to take off, the U.S. consumption of meat substitutes is far ahead of the global average. In the vegan food products market, meat substitutes, despite the attention given to them in the press, are only the second biggest item. The U.S. market for milk substitutes is 1.27 billion U.S. dollars larger than the one for meat substitutes.

    Vegans and vegetarians

    In the United States, roughly five percent of the population is vegetarian. This is about the same level as in other Western countries such as Germany. This does not include the number of pescetarians, who add fish to an otherwise vegetarian diet. About four percent of the U.S. population follows a vegan diet. It is noteworthy that the number of vegans is so small, that surveys have a hard time clearly showing how many vegans there are. Even slight deviations can result in the share of vegans being halved or doubled. Among younger consumers, both veganism and vegetarianism are more widespread than among older consumers.

    Consumer motivations

    Animal welfare influences the purchase decisions of Americans. Close to half of U.S. consumers stated that if a food product is produced with animal welfare in mind, it influences their purchase decision. However, the leading reason to follow any diet or eating pattern in the U.S. is the protection of one's health. Health benefits are also the leading reason for consumers to eat meat substitutes. Vegetarians, whether former or current, also name this more often than other reasons as an explanation of why they are or were following a vegetarian diet. Among those who are not vegetarians, health benefits are seen as the most compelling reason to become vegetarian.

    This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.

    Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 18, 2023

    Key insights

    Meat substitute market size in the U.S.
    2.33bn USD

    Topic: Veganism and vegetarianism in the U.S. (2)

    Detailed statistics

    Meat substitute revenue in North America 2018-2028, by country

    Milk substitute market size in the U.S.
    3.6bn USD

    Topic: Veganism and vegetarianism in the U.S. (3)

    Detailed statistics

    Milk substitute market revenue in the U.S. 2018-2028

    Share of U.S. consumers that follow a meat-free diet
    14%

    Topic: Veganism and vegetarianism in the U.S. (4)

    Detailed statistics

    Share of consumers who follow a meat-free diet worldwide in 2023, by select country

    Get more insights

    Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

    Further recommended statistics

    Global overview

    U.S. market overview

    Meat alternatives

    Milk alternatives

    Veganism and vegetarianism

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    Topic: Veganism and vegetarianism in the U.S. (2024)

    FAQs

    Topic: Veganism and vegetarianism in the U.S.? ›

    U.S. Adults' Eating Preferences, trends from 1999 to 2023 (for vegetarian) and 2012 to 2023 (for vegan). Four percent of U.S. adults currently say they are vegetarians, and 1% are vegan. These preferences have been stable over time.

    Know More ›
    What percent of America is vegetarian or vegan? ›

    In the United States, roughly five percent of the population is vegetarian. This is about the same level as in other Western countries such as Germany. This does not include the number of pescetarians, who add fish to an otherwise vegetarian diet. About four percent of the U.S. population follows a vegan diet.

    Discover More Details ›
    What are the 3 most common reasons people in the United States become vegetarian? ›

    People become vegetarians for many reasons, including health, religious convictions, concerns about animal welfare or the use of antibiotics and hormones in livestock, or a desire to eat in a way that avoids excessive use of environmental resources.

    Continue Reading ›
    What is the argument between vegan and vegetarian? ›

    Both vegetarians and vegans choose not to eat meat and fish. However, veganism is a stricter form of vegetarianism that prohibits the consumption or use of any products that come from animals, including dairy, eggs, honey, leather goods, wool, and silk.

    Learn More ›
    What is the most common form of vegetarianism in the United States? ›

    Lacto-ovo vegetarians avoid red and white meat, fish, and fowl but eat eggs and milk products. This is the most common form of vegetarianism.

    Learn More ›
    What race has the most vegans? ›

    Racial diversity

    Black Americans are almost three times more likely to be vegan than the general population. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Serena Williams have spoken publicly about the benefits of a plant-based diet and are increasing the visibility of plant-based eating in the Black community.

    Keep Reading ›
    Which country is most vegetarian? ›

    No other country or part of the world has anywhere close to the number of vegetarian people as India, either in percentage of the population or in total number. India is the unique outlier. Going by percentage of the population, Mexico is the second most vegetarian country, at 19%, then Brazil and Taiwan at 14%.

    Get More Info Here ›
    What is the best argument for veganism? ›

    Core argument for veganism. Animals suffer in the production of animal products, and since we have access to sufficient alternatives that don't require the use of animals to be made, that means products made from animals are unnecessary and the animal suffering is unnecessary.

    Read More ›
    Is vegan healthier than meat? ›

    Vegetarians and vegans typically have lower body mass index, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and blood pressure than comparable regular meat-eaters, as well as lower bone mineral density.

    Explore More ›
    What are the pros and cons of being vegan vegetarian? ›

    Pros and Cons of Vegetarianism
    ProsCons
    Useful diet for weight lossBeing a vegetarian can have common nutrient deficiencies
    Increased feelings of satiety (high food volume, low energy intake)Vegans have more trouble achieving protein needs without using protein supplements
    4 more rows
    Aug 23, 2023

    See More ›

    What age group has the most vegetarians? ›

    Vegetarianism is less prevalent among older Americans: 2% of adults aged 55 and older say they adhere to a vegetarian diet, compared with 8% of 18- to 34-year-olds and 7% of 35- to 54-year-olds.

    Get More Info ›
    When did veganism become popular in America? ›

    Into the mainstream

    The vegan diet became increasingly mainstream in the 2010s, especially in the latter half. The Economist declared 2019 "the year of the vegan". Chain restaurants began marking vegan items on their menus and supermarkets improved their selection of vegan-processed food.

    Keep Reading ›
    Is veganism growing in the US? ›

    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.

    Explore More ›
    How much of the population is vegan and vegetarian? ›

    Millennials follow closely behind generation Z, with over 1 in 5 (22%) currently eating a meat-free diet. This includes 7% vegetarians, 8% vegans, and 6.5% pescatarians. A further 17% of millennials are considering a shift to meat-free diets in 2024, adding up to a possible total of 39% by 2025.

    Know More ›
    Is veganism more popular than vegetarianism? ›

    U.S. Adults' Eating Preferences

    Line graph. U.S. Adults' Eating Preferences, trends from 1999 to 2023 (for vegetarian) and 2012 to 2023 (for vegan). Four percent of U.S. adults currently say they are vegetarians, and 1% are vegan. These preferences have been stable over time.

    Get More Info Here ›
    Is veganism increasing or decreasing? ›

    In 2019, a quarter of food products launched were labelled as vegan. Fast-forward to today and the appetite for veganism is waning, with 14% of European consumers switching to a self-described 'flexitarian' diet instead.

    Discover More Details ›
    Is America becoming more vegan? ›

    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.

    Show Me More ›
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