There are approximately 13.4 million vegans in the USA. In recent years, more news has come out about the polluting effects of the meat industry. Beyond the usual reasons such as animal welfare, many are choosing to go vegan in an attempt to slow the effects of climate change.
Determining the exact number of vegans, especially in a diverse country like the United States, is challenging. However, recent data sheds light on the vegan demographic, offering insights into who these individuals are, where they live, and why they choose a vegan lifestyle.
| Demographic Category | Percentage/Number |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian Americans | 2% of the adult population |
| Vegan Americans | 0.5% of the adult population |
| Total Vegans in the USA | 1.62 million people |
| Former Vegetarians/Vegans | 84% of the vegetarian population |
| Current Vegans | 1.6 million people |
| Average Age of Vegans | 42 years old |
| Female Vegans | 74% of the vegan population |
| Political Affiliation | Majority left-leaning |
| Religious Affiliation | Non-religious |
How Many People Are Vegan in 2023?
According to a survey involving 11,000 adults aged 17 and over, only 2% of Americans identify as vegetarian, and within this group, only 0.5% adhere to a vegan diet. This translates to approximately 1.62 million vegans in the United States. While some might question the validity of this sample size, it’s one of the largest surveys conducted on this topic, providing a significant dataset for analysis.
Interestingly, the survey also reveals that there are more former vegans than current ones. A staggering 84% of individuals who have embraced a vegetarian or vegan diet eventually revert to an omnivorous lifestyle. Extrapolating this data, there are about 8 million lapsed vegans compared to the 1.6 million current ones.
Are Gen Z More Likely to Go Vegan?
Contrary to common stereotypes, the average age of a vegan in the USA is 42. While young adults in their 20s and 30s make up a substantial portion of vegans, they represent only half of this demographic. Surprisingly, the majority—74%—of vegans are female, and most align with left-leaning political ideologies while being non-religious.
In terms of longevity, many individuals experimenting with veganism seem to do so temporarily. About 34% of respondents maintained a vegan diet for three months or less, and over half adhered to the diet for less than a year. However, among current vegans, 88% have sustained their plant-based lifestyle for over a year, with many presumably following this diet for several years.
Is Veganism For Rich People?
Contrary to stereotypes, data shows that there are more vegans in the lower income range. The largest concentration of vegans falls within the sub $50,000 income bracket. This discrepancy is likely age-related, as younger people, who are more likely to be vegan, tend to have lower incomes than older adults.
This observation aligns with a survey suggesting that 6% of respondents aged 18 to 34 are vegetarians compared to only 2% over 55. Younger individuals also tend to earn less, often due to being students or at the early stages of their careers.
Worldwide Vegan Population
Estimating the global vegan population is a complex task due to varying definitions and categorisations. Some countries, including the most progressive ones, report a 2-8% vegan population. However, considering less progressive regions, the worldwide vegan population likely falls below 1%.
For instance, in Africa, where there has been a surge in vegan interest, only 0.01% of the population is vegan. Extrapolating this to the global population of 7.83 billion, there are roughly 75.3 million vegans worldwide.
Another issue is self-identification. Many cultures naturally eat a vegan diet – for example, it’s commonplace in some Hindu communities – but the normalisation of this diet in a culture’s cuisine may lead to some people eating a vegan diet but not necessarily labelling themselves as ‘vegan’.
Evolving Numbers in the USA
The numbers regarding the vegan population in the USA have evolved over the years. In 2016, studies indicated that 0.5% of the US population was vegan. However, recent data suggests a significant increase, with approximately 6% of the population identifying as vegan in 2023. With a total US population of 327 million, this implies around 19.6 million vegans.
Why Do People Go Vegan?
Participants in the study were asked about their motivations for adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. The primary reasons cited include health, taste, and humanitarian concerns. Interestingly, former vegetarians/vegans showed a significant association between motivations and their current dietary status.
This highlights that motivations such as health, taste, and humanitarian reasons play a pivotal role in sustaining a vegan lifestyle, while factors like cost, social influence, and following food trends do not significantly impact individuals’ longevity in veganism.
Which States Are More Likely to Be Vegan?
Certain cities and countries stand out as vegan-friendly hubs. Cities like Portland, Los Angeles, and New York City are recognised for their vibrant vegan scenes.
On a global scale, countries like the United States, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom have some of the highest concentrations of vegans, while the USA ranks fifth on the list. This highlights the diverse and growing nature of the vegan movement worldwide.
Conclusion
The journey into veganism can be complex, influenced by various factors such as age, income, and geographical location. While the numbers offer valuable insights into the current state of veganism in the USA and globally, it’s always good to recognise the fluid nature of dietary choices and the diverse motivations behind them. As veganism continues to gain popularity, understanding these demographic trends becomes crucial for shaping policies, businesses, and social attitudes toward plant-based living.
