Understanding Vegan Demographics: How Many Americans Are Vegan?

What percentage of Americans are vegan? This question has been a topic of curiosity and debate among many, including Jane and myself. Living in Los Angeles, where veganism is more prevalent, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. So, let’s delve into the fascinating world of vegan demographics and try to uncover the true statistics.

The Complex Landscape of Vegan Demographics

Determining the exact number of vegans in the United States is no easy feat. It’s not information you typically find on a census report. Fortunately, organizations like Faunalytics have conducted extensive research in this area, providing valuable insights into the vegan population.

Over the past decade, veganism has experienced significant growth, leading to the emergence of products like vegan meal kits and even vegan dog food. But just how many vegans are there in the USA?

The One (Half) Percent

According to a sampling of 11,000 American adults aged 17 and over, only 2 percent identify as vegetarian, and among them, merely 0.5 percent of the entire adult population in the USA are vegan. This translates to approximately 1.62 million individuals.

Now, you might question whether a sample size of 11,000 is sufficient. But this survey is among the most extensive samplings available, with many other polls involving only around 2,000 participants. So, it provides a reasonable estimate.

What’s noteworthy is that there are more former vegans than current vegans. In fact, there are over five times as many former vegetarians/vegans as there are current ones. This means that 84 percent of individuals who have tried vegetarianism or veganism have reverted to an omnivorous diet. This suggests that maintaining a vegan lifestyle can be challenging for many.

Unveiling the Vegan Demographics

So, who are these 1.6 million vegans? You might be surprised to learn that the average age of a vegan in the USA is 42. Contrary to common belief, young adults in their 20s and 30s make up only about half of the vegan population.

Another interesting aspect of vegan demographics is the gender divide. Approximately 74 percent of vegans are female, and most tend to align with left-leaning political ideologies and are not religious.

The Lifespan of Vegan Diets

While many individuals experiment with veganism, a significant proportion eventually return to an omnivorous diet. About 34 percent of former vegetarians/vegans maintained the diet for three months or less, and over half (53 percent) adhered to it for less than one year. This suggests that a substantial number of people explore veganism but find it challenging to sustain over time.

In contrast, among those who currently identify as vegetarian or vegan, 88 percent have maintained this lifestyle for over a year, with many adhering to it for several years.

How Many Vegans Are There Globally?

Estimating the worldwide vegan population is even more complex. Some reports combine vegans, vegetarians, and individuals following plant-based diets into a single category. Progressive countries with significant vegan populations report figures ranging from 2 to 8 percent, suggesting that the global percentage is likely considerably less than 1 percent.

For instance, in South Africa, despite a surge in vegan interest, a minuscule fraction of the population identifies as vegan. Given the global population of 7.83 billion, it’s reasonable to estimate that there are approximately 75.3 million vegans worldwide.

2023 Update: How Many Vegans in the USA?

Since our initial exploration of vegan demographics in 2016, the numbers have evolved. Recent studies indicate a significant increase in the number of vegans in the USA, now estimated at 6 percent of the population.

With a current population of approximately 327 million in the United States, this suggests that there are about 19,632,000 vegans living in the country. However, it’s essential to note that self-reported figures can be somewhat flawed due to varying interpretations of a “vegan lifestyle.”

Income and Age Dynamics

Surprisingly, there is a higher concentration of vegans in the lower income range. The majority of vegans fall within the sub $50,000 income bracket, which can be attributed, in part, to the younger demographic. Younger individuals are more likely to be vegan and tend to have lower incomes as they are often students or at the early stages of their careers.

Motivations for Veganism

Survey participants were asked about their reasons for adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. Health, taste preferences, and humanitarian concerns emerged as the primary motivators. This suggests that individuals are drawn to veganism for various reasons, including personal health, ethical considerations, and culinary preferences.

Most Vegan-Friendly Cities in America

If you’re looking for vegan-friendly places in the United States, several cities top the list. Portland, Oregon, Los Angeles, California, and New York City, New York, are among the leaders, offering a wide array of vegan dining options and a supportive vegan community.

Vegan Demographics: Largest Concentration of Vegans (by country)

When it comes to countries with the most significant percentages of vegans, Israel takes the top spot, with an impressive 5 percent of its population identifying as vegan. The USA ranks fifth on this list, demonstrating the global diversity in vegan demographics.

In conclusion, understanding vegan demographics, particularly the percentage of vegans in the United States, is a complex task. However, as more individuals embrace plant-based lifestyles, the numbers are on the rise. Whether driven by health, ethics, or taste, the vegan community continues to grow, making veganism a prominent and influential dietary choice.

For more insights into the world of plant-based diets and innovative vegan products, visit the Crooked Beverage Co. homepage.