The American dietary landscape in 2023 evolved with a noticeable shift toward plant-based eating. Vegetarianism, once a niche choice, is now gaining momentum nationwide.
With a blend of statistical insights and current trends, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the vegetarian movement in the U.S.
Contents:
- Number of Vegetarians
- Income Variations
- Worldwide Vegetarian Stats
- Vegetarian Diversity
- Vegetarianism Demographics
- Male vs Female Vegetarians
- Health Benefits
- Top Vegetarian States
- Plant-Based Products
- Vegetarianism Growth
- Vegan Future
- Wrap-up
Statistical Insight Into the Vegetarian Landscape of the U.S.
- About 5% of Americans identify as vegetarian.
- Around 3% are vegan.
- Political liberals are more likely to observe a vegetarian diet at 9%, compared to 3% of both moderates and conservatives.
- 23% of Americans try to eat less meat yearly, skewing heavily toward women (31%) versus men (15%).
| Diet | Percentage of Americans |
|---|---|
| Vegan | 3% |
| Vegetarian | 5% |
| Other | 92% |
Vegetarian is a term used to describe a person who does not eat meat and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons.
Vegan refers to a person who does not eat or use animal products. This includes meat, dairy, eggs, and honey and avoiding non-food products derived from animals, like leather, fur, and wool.
Veganism is often associated with a philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals and promotes the adoption of a lifestyle that seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.
A modest yet dedicated segment of the U.S. population embraces vegetarianism, with a smaller proportion committing to veganism, reflecting a committed adherence to plant-based living.
It’s important to note that the number of people who identify as vegan can be difficult to measure accurately due to various factors, including different interpretations of what it means to be vegan.
| Political View | Percentage of Vegetarians |
|---|---|
| Liberal | 9% |
| Moderate | 3% |
| Conservative | 3% |
| Other | 85% |
| Gender | Percentage Who Eat Less Meat |
|---|---|
| Female | 31% |
| Male | 15% |
Sources: Gallup News, The Takeout, CookUnity
Income Differences
- Adults making less than $43,350 per year are more likely to be vegetarians (7% of this group).
- 4% of middle-income adults ($43,350-$130,000) choose vegetarianism.
- Upper-income brackets (over $130,000) are at 3%.
| Income Level | Vegetarian Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than $43,350 | 7% |
| $43,351-$130,00 | 4% |
| Over $130,000 | 3% |
Income influences dietary choices, with higher vegetarian rates among those earning less than $30,000 annually.
Source: Gallup News, Pew Research Center
Global Vegetarian Statistics for Context
Approximately 22% of people globally are vegetarians, providing a broader context to U.S. statistics and highlighting the global trend toward vegetarianism.
The number of vegans worldwide is approximately 88 million, representing around 1.1% of the world’s population.
| Type of Diet | Worldwide Percentage |
|---|---|
| Other | 77% |
| Vegan | 1% |
| Vegetarian | 22% |
Source: Cook Unity, The Vegan Society
Diversity Among Vegetarians
The demographic of vegetarians in the U.S. is becoming more diverse. Racial groups have similar vegetarian rates.
- 4% non-Hispanic Whites
- 6% Latino, Asian, and African-American
| Ethnicity | Percent Vegetarian |
|---|---|
| Caucasian | 4% |
| Latino, Asian, African-American | 6% |
Source: The Takeout, Livestrong, Great Green Wall
Demographic Variations in Vegetarianism
- There is a demographic split in vegetarianism, with 3-4% of younger adults (18-49) identifying as vegetarian.
- Only 1-3% of adults 50 and older consider themselves vegetarians.
| Age | % Vegetarian |
|---|---|
| 18-49 | 3.5% |
| 50 up | 2% |
Source: Great Green Wall
The Gender Gap in Vegetarianism
- Of those adopting a plant-based diet, 59% are female, and 41% are male.
- Women (6%) are more likely than men (2%) to say they eat a vegetarian diet.
- Women are more likely to be vegan, with 9% of women identifying as vegan compared to 3% of men.
| Diet | Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-Based | Women | 59% |
| Men | 41% | |
| Vegetarian | Women | 6% |
| Men | 2% | |
| Vegan | Women | 9% |
| Men | 3% |
These statistics suggest that in the U.S. in 2023, a higher percentage of women identified as vegetarians compared to men.
Sources: Great Green Wall, Soylent, Gallup News, VRG
Health-Driven Vegetarianism
A survey in April 2023 found that health benefits were the primary reason for 55% of U.S. adults who have ever been a vegetarian, indicating that health considerations are a major driver for the diet.
There are many health benefits of vegetarianism.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Illnesses – Vegetarians typically consume less saturated fat and cholesterol and more vitamins, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals, which contribute to lower total and LDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and a healthier body mass index (BMI).
- Studies have shown that vegetarians have a 19-25% lower risk of death from heart disease compared to non-vegetarians.
- A vegetarian diet can potentially reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, although the differences compared to non-vegetarians are not substantial.
- A predominantly plant-based diet can lower the risk for type 2 diabetes. Research has indicated that vegetarians have about half the risk of developing diabetes compared to non-vegetarians.
- While there are concerns about bone health, especially for vegans who may consume less calcium, a vegetarian diet that includes calcium-rich vegetables and fortified foods can support bone health.
Sources: Statista, Harvard Health, PMC, Medical News Today
The States Most Likely to Go Vegan
Based on criteria like the cost savings of buying tofu over meat and the availability of vegan meetups and restaurants, the top five states most likely to go vegan are:
- Hawaii tops the list with many vegan restaurants and meetup groups per capita, plus significant savings on tofu compared to meat.
- Oregon is known for its progressive food culture and a strong vegan community.
- California has a vast array of vegan restaurants and a culture that embraces healthy living.
- New York is a hub for diverse dietary lifestyles, including veganism, with many vegan dining options.
- Washington has a thriving vegan scene and community support.
| State | Vegan-Friendly Qualities |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | Abundance of vegan eateries, numerous vegan social groups, and cost-effective tofu options |
| Oregon | Avant-garde culinary scene and a robust vegan network |
| California | Extensive selection of vegan establishments and a health-conscious lifestyle |
| New York | Melting pot for various dietary preferences, extensive vegan culinary choices |
| Washington | Vibrant vegan culture and strong community backing |
Veganism has grown in popularity over the past five years. Even if not identifying as vegan or vegetarian, a significant portion of the population is choosing to eat less meat.
Source: Unchained TV
Growth in Plant-Based Product Launches
The Vegan Society has registered over 65,000 products as certified vegan, with 18,000 of those being consumables.
Although the final figures for 2023 are not yet available, the global vegan food market is expected to grow from $16.05 billion in 2022 to $18.27 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%, indicating continued growth in the sector.
The plant-based food market is projected to exceed $75 billion at year’s end, growing from $41.06 billion in 2022.
| Year | Market | |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Vegan | $16.05 billion |
| 2023 | Vegan | $18.27 billion est. |
| 2022 | Plant-Based | $41.06 billion |
| 2023 | Plant-Based | $75 billion est. |
Source: Soylent, Great Green Wall on Vegan Products, Strategic Market Research, PR Newswire
The Future of Vegetarianism
A survey from June 2023 suggests a potential rise in vegetarianism, with 5% of respondents in the U.S. seeing themselves becoming vegan or vegetarian, indicating a growing openness toward plant-based diets.
Source: Statista
Vegan Market Growth Projections
The vegetarian food market in the United States is expected to experience significant growth from 2023 to 2028.
The United States vegan food market, a subset of the vegetarian market, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.27% during this period.
Source: LinkedIn
Conclusion
The statistics from 2023 underscore a clear trend: vegetarianism and veganism rose in the U.S., driven by health concerns, demographic shifts, and an expanding market for plant-based products.
As more Americans consider and adopt vegetarian diets, the impact on the food industry, health trends, and cultural norms will likely be profound and enduring. With a younger generation at the helm of this dietary shift, the future of American eating habits seems increasingly green.
Other Considerations
As the number of vegetarians in the U.S. continues to rise, this shift in dietary habits is part of a larger movement toward more sustainable and health-conscious living. This trend is further exemplified by the increasing number of people whogrow their own food. This practice not only supports a vegetarian lifestyle but also promotes environmental sustainability.
The home composting market is also experiencing significant growth, reflecting a stronger commitment toeco-friendly practicesand waste reduction. These trends highlight a comprehensive approach to sustainable living encompassing diet, gardening, and waste management.