. 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
. It is noteworthy that the number of vegans is so small, that surveys have a hard time clearly showing how many vegans there are. Variance in survey responses can result in the share of vegans being halved or doubled compared to prior surveys. Among younger consumers, both
Why people embrace a meat free lifestyle
Animal welfare influences the purchase decisions of Americans. Over 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 that people want to feel better and have more energy. Vegetarians, whether former or current, name health benefits 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.
Turning to the plant-based alternative?
Health benefits are also the leading
reason for consumers to eat meat substitutes. Plant-based meat alternatives in the U.S. have reached a point where the enormous
growth of the market is a thing of the past. Revenues and consumption figures have flattened out and are stable. The industry is adapting to this new reality where food inflation and consumers rising awareness of hyper or
ultra-processed food have impacted food consumption habits. Milk alternatives on the other hand
are still growing.
While moral and environmental concerns are among the important motivators to go meatless, health concerns remain the driving force for food consumers. Vegans, vegetarians, and those who consume meat substitutes are all looking out to eat healthier.
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.
