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 am an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of global dietary trends, specifically focusing on the rise of veganism across various countries. My extensive knowledge in this field stems from a combination of personal experience, academic research, and continuous engagement with the latest developments in dietary preferences worldwide.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating landscape of veganism across different countries as outlined in the provided article:
United Kingdom: The UK leads the global charts with the highest number of vegans. Recent statistics highlight a significant surge in veganism's popularity, evident through a threefold increase in searches for vegan restaurants with dedicated menus over the past four years.
Australia: Australia stands as the second-highest country in terms of vegan population. Similar to the UK, Australia has witnessed a notable increase in searches for vegan restaurants, primarily driven by concerns about climate change and the environmental impacts of conventional agricultural practices. The pandemic has also played a role in boosting veganism in Australia.
Israel: Israel boasts an impressive vegan population, with nearly 5% of its citizens identifying as vegans. This is facilitated by the compatibility of veganism with Mediterranean cuisine and adherence to kosher rules. The ease of finding locally sourced ingredients adds to the eco-friendly and sustainable aspect of veganism in Israel.
New Zealand: In New Zealand, approximately 15% of the population reported following a meat-free diet in a 2019 survey. Current Google trends and data further support this trend, with a significant increase in searches related to vegan cheese, recipes, and restaurants in 2020 compared to the previous year.
Switzerland: As the first European country on the list, Switzerland boasts nearly one-third of its population actively attempting to reduce meat consumption. While not entirely aligning with veganism, this shift represents a positive step towards more plant-based diets.
Austria and Germany: Tied in the total number of vegans, both Germany and Austria have experienced a surge in veganism, with Germany leading in the production of plant-based vegan meats. The transition from vegetarianism to veganism is notable in these countries, with vegan menu options widely available.
Sweden: Sweden, known for its health-conscious culture, seamlessly incorporates veganism. Notably, there are even all-vegan schools in Sweden, showcasing a strong commitment to plant-based living. The country is also a hub for vegan food innovations, introducing dishes like vegan Bolognese and veggie schnitzel.
It's crucial to note that data collection on vegan concentration is complex due to varying definitions and self-reporting biases. The values presented should be viewed as best-guess estimates rather than scientifically rigorous data. Additionally, specific ranges and unavailable reports for certain countries, such as Ireland, Poland, and Slovenia, highlight the challenges in obtaining precise figures in this dynamic landscape.
