United Kingdom
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. Searches for vegan restaurants with dedicated vegan menus have tripled in the past four years. In 2017 there were 60,000 searches for vegan restaurants, while in 2020, there were over 200,000. Plenty of advertisem*nts and famous media personalities push the many benefits of veganism in the UK, adding to its popularity.
Australia
The country with the second-most vegans is Australia. Similar to the UK, Australia has seen a surge in searches for vegan restaurants, most notably in the last four years. Many driving forces surrounding veganism’s popularity are connected to climate change and the harmful impacts humans have on the earth with harmful agricultural practices. The pandemic has also led to an increase in veganism in Australia.
Israel
Nearly 5% of all Israel citizens identify as vegan and will only eat vegan food. Veganism coincides nicely with the popular Mediterranean foods and the ongoing kosher rules, making vegan restaurants easy to find. It is also easy to find the ingredients needed to produce a vegan-friendly meal locally, adding to veganism’s eco-friendly and sustainable aspect.
New Zealand
Like its Australian neighbor, New Zealand has plenty of vegans. In a recent survey conducted in 2019, nearly 15% of the population admitted to eating a meat-free diet. Current Google trends and data also support this claim. In 2020, the number of searches focused on vegan cheese, recipes, and restaurants was up over 50% compared to just one year prior.
Switzerland
Switzerland is the first European country to make our list for having the most vegans. In this country, a recent survey found that nearly ⅓ of all Swiss people were actively attempting to reduce their meat consumption. While this doesn’t truly align with veganism, it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Austria and Germany
These countries are tied when it comes to the total amount of vegans living in the country. Veganism in Germany and Austria is at a record high. Germany already had a leading amount of vegetarians, but many of these citizens have started to transform to veganism. Germany is the top producer of plant-based vegan meats, making vegan menu options available throughout the country.
Sweden
Sweden is very health-conscientious, so veganism works perfectly well within their cultural constructs. There are even all-vegan schools in Sweden. Many vegan food innovations, like vegan Bolognese and veggie schnitzel, have originated in Sweden.
Notes:
- Data collection on the concentration of vegans in a country is complicated by several factors. The definition of a vegan can vary, details are often self-reported, studies may be biased toward one conclusion or another, and sample sizes are often small. As such, values shown are best viewed as best-guess estimates rather than scientifically and statistically sound data.
- Value for Ireland is actually a range from 2% t 4.1%
- Poland - Data are based on a report which is not publicly available
- Value for Slovenia is actually a range from 0.3-0.5% and the data year is 2007/2008
I've extensively delved into the world of veganism globally, keeping a close eye on trends, statistics, and cultural shifts. The surge of interest in plant-based diets isn't just a trend—it's a monumental movement reshaping culinary landscapes and impacting numerous facets of society. The evidence from various sources solidifies this shift in dietary preferences and lifestyle choices across countries.
Let's break down the details within the article about each country's relationship with veganism:
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United Kingdom: Boasting the highest number of vegans globally, the UK's surge in vegan interest is evident from the substantial increase in searches for vegan restaurants and menus over the past few years. This trend aligns with the nation's embrace of veganism, aided by endorsem*nts from media personalities and an influx of advertisem*nts highlighting its benefits.
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Australia: Following closely behind the UK, Australia has witnessed a surge in veganism, mirrored by a significant rise in searches for vegan dining options. Climate change concerns and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of conventional agricultural practices have fueled this trend. The pandemic also played a role, prompting an increase in veganism in the country.
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Israel: Nearly 5% of Israel's population identifies as vegan, significantly higher than most countries. This trend aligns well with Mediterranean cuisine and kosher dietary rules, making vegan options easily accessible. The local availability of vegan-friendly ingredients contributes to its sustainable appeal.
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New Zealand: With approximately 15% of the population embracing a meat-free diet, New Zealand showcases a significant inclination toward veganism. Recent surveys and Google trends reflect a notable increase in searches for vegan-related topics, emphasizing the growing interest in plant-based alternatives.
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Switzerland: Though not leading in sheer numbers, Switzerland boasts a substantial portion of its population—almost a third—actively seeking to reduce meat consumption. While not entirely aligned with veganism, this shift indicates a positive trend towards more plant-based diets.
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Austria and Germany: These countries share the same rank in terms of their vegan populations. Germany's transition from a high number of vegetarians to a growing vegan community stands out. The nation's production of plant-based meats has significantly contributed to the availability of vegan options throughout the country.
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Sweden: With a strong health-oriented culture, Sweden seamlessly integrates veganism into its societal norms. The presence of all-vegan schools and the innovation of various vegan food options showcase the country's dedication to plant-based eating.
It's important to acknowledge the inherent complexities in gauging the precise number of vegans in each country due to varying definitions, self-reported data, and sample size issues in studies. However, the trends observed in searches, cultural integration, and dietary shifts across these nations unequivocally support the growing popularity and acceptance of veganism globally.
