GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Vegan Industry Statistics

The vegan industry is experiencing significant growth, with increasing demand for plant-based products and a rise in vegan food sales worldwide.

Highlights: Vegan Industry Statistics

  • Approximately 9.7 million Americans are vegan as of 2019.
  • The vegan meat market is projected to be worth $21 billion by 2026.
  • The global vegan food market size was valued at $14.2 billion in 2018.
  • Vegetarianism in the U.S. has grown by 600% over the last three years.
  • Sales of plant-based foods that directly replace animal products have grown 29% in the past 2 years.
  • Google searches for "vegan" have increased by 47% in 2020.
  • Asia Pacific has the largest market share in the global vegan food market.
  • The vegan cheese market will surpass $2.5 billion by 2023.
  • 25% of 25-34-year old Americans identify as vegan or vegetarian.
  • In 2018, the UK launched more vegan products than any other nation.
  • 80% of Gen Z members aim to consume less meat and more plant-based foods.
  • Retail sales of plant-based foods in the U.S. increased by 27% in 2020.
  • The vegan protein market is expected to hit $9.1 billion by 2027.
  • The market for vegan women's shoes is expected to reach $24.44 billion by 2027.
  • The Vegan Supplements Market was valued at around USD 273 Million in 2021.
  • Sales of plant-based yogurt have seen a 39% increase over the last couple of years.
  • Retail sales of vegan ice cream are projected to surpass $1 billion in 2024.
  • In 2021, an estimate of 500,000 participants from 200 countries took part in Veganuary.
  • 70% of the global population is either reducing meat consumption or leaving meat off the table altogether.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

The Latest Vegan Industry Statistics Explained

Approximately 9.7 million Americans are vegan as of 2019.

The statistic that approximately 9.7 million Americans are vegan as of 2019 indicates the number of individuals in the United States who follow a vegan diet. Veganism is a dietary choice that excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and sometimes even honey. This statistic highlights the growing trend towards plant-based diets for reasons such as health, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. The increasing popularity of veganism is reflected in the rising number of vegan products in the market, vegan-friendly restaurants, and the mainstream adoption of vegan options by various food establishments. This statistic serves as a valuable insight into the shifting dietary preferences and lifestyles of a significant portion of the American population.

The vegan meat market is projected to be worth $21 billion by 2026.

The statistic indicates that the market for vegan meat products is forecasted to reach a value of $21 billion by the year 2026. This projection suggests a significant growth in consumer demand for plant-based meat alternatives over the next few years. Factors contributing to this anticipated growth may include increasing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional meat production, health-conscious consumer preferences, and advancements in plant-based food technologies. The market projection reflects a growing trend towards plant-based diets and a shift in consumer behavior towards more sustainable and ethical food choices, which could have wide-reaching implications for the food industry and beyond.

The global vegan food market size was valued at $14.2 billion in 2018.

The statistic indicates that the total market value of vegan food worldwide in 2018 was $14.2 billion. This figure represents the economic value of all products within the vegan food industry, including plant-based substitutes for meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived products. The market size of $14.2 billion reflects the growing trend towards plant-based diets and the increasing demand for vegan food products globally. This statistic highlights the significant growth and potential opportunities within the vegan food market as more consumers embrace plant-based alternatives for health, environmental, and ethical reasons.

Vegetarianism in the U.S. has grown by 600% over the last three years.

The statistic ‘Vegetarianism in the U.S. has grown by 600% over the last three years’ indicates a substantial increase in the number of individuals adopting a vegetarian diet within a relatively short period of time. Specifically, the percentage growth of 600% suggests that the number of vegetarians in the U.S. has multiplied sixfold since three years ago. This trend may reflect changing attitudes towards health, environmental concerns, animal welfare issues, or a combination of these factors. Such a significant increase in the prevalence of vegetarianism could have implications for various industries, including food production and retail, as well as public health policies and environmental sustainability efforts.

Sales of plant-based foods that directly replace animal products have grown 29% in the past 2 years.

The statistic indicates a significant increase of 29% in sales of plant-based foods that are direct substitutes for animal products over the last two years. This growth suggests a notable shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based alternatives, likely driven by various factors including concerns about health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. The double-digit growth rate highlights the rising demand for plant-based options as consumers increasingly seek healthier and more sustainable dietary choices. This trend underscores a broader shift towards plant-based diets and signifies a potential long-term market opportunity for businesses in the plant-based food industry.

Google searches for “vegan” have increased by 47% in 2020.

The statistic “Google searches for ‘vegan’ have increased by 47% in 2020” indicates a substantial rise in online interest in veganism compared to the previous year. The 47% increase suggests that more people are turning to the internet to seek out information related to vegan lifestyles, plant-based diets, or related topics. This surge in searches may be indicative of a growing trend towards veganism, possibly influenced by factors such as health concerns, environmental awareness, or ethical considerations. The data underscores a significant shift in consumer behavior and highlights the increasing relevance and popularity of veganism in today’s society.

Asia Pacific has the largest market share in the global vegan food market.

The statistic highlights that Asia Pacific region holds the highest market share in the global vegan food market, indicating that a significant portion of the vegan food products are consumed and produced in countries within the Asia Pacific region. This suggests a growing popularity and demand for vegan food options in countries such as China, India, Japan, and others. Factors such as an increasing awareness of health and environmental concerns, changing consumer preferences, and a rise in veganism and plant-based diets contribute to the region’s dominance in the global vegan food market. The statistic underscores the importance of Asia Pacific in driving the growth and innovation within the vegan food industry on a worldwide scale.

The vegan cheese market will surpass $2.5 billion by 2023.

The statistic “The vegan cheese market will surpass $2.5 billion by 2023” indicates that the market for vegan cheese, a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese made from plant-based ingredients, is expected to grow significantly over the next few years. This estimate suggests that consumer demand for vegan cheese is increasing due to factors such as health consciousness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations related to animal agriculture. The projected market value of over $2.5 billion by 2023 reflects a forecasted trend of continued growth in the vegan food industry, driven by a growing number of individuals choosing plant-based alternatives for various reasons.

25% of 25-34-year old Americans identify as vegan or vegetarian.

The statistic indicates that among the 25-34-year-old American population, 25% of individuals identify as either vegan or vegetarian. This means one in every four individuals within this age group follows a plant-based diet. This statistic reflects a notable trend towards plant-based eating habits among younger adults, which may be motivated by various factors such as health, animal welfare, environmental concerns, or a combination of these. The data suggests that vegans and vegetarians are not rare within this age range and could potentially influence food consumption patterns and preferences in the food industry and broader society.

In 2018, the UK launched more vegan products than any other nation.

The statistic “In 2018, the UK launched more vegan products than any other nation” indicates that the UK introduced a larger number of new vegan products compared to all other countries within that year. This could suggest a growing trend towards plant-based diets and lifestyles in the UK, reflecting both consumer demand and the response from manufacturers and retailers to capitalize on this evolving market. The statistic highlights the UK’s position as a leader in vegan product development and innovation, showcasing a shift towards more environmentally sustainable and cruelty-free options in the food industry.

80% of Gen Z members aim to consume less meat and more plant-based foods.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority, specifically 80%, of individuals from Generation Z express a preference towards reducing their meat consumption in favor of consuming more plant-based foods. This suggests a growing trend among this demographic to adopt a more plant-centric diet, driven possibly by concerns related to health, ethics, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. As the next generation of consumers with increasing purchasing power, this shift towards plant-based eating habits may have implications not only for the food industry but also for broader societal attitudes and behaviors towards food choices and sustainability practices.

Retail sales of plant-based foods in the U.S. increased by 27% in 2020.

The statistic that retail sales of plant-based foods in the U.S. increased by 27% in 2020 indicates a significant rise in consumer demand for plant-based products. This growth suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more sustainable food options, potentially driven by factors such as increased awareness of the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets, as well as concerns over animal welfare and climate change. The double-digit increase highlights the growing market for plant-based foods and signals a potential ongoing trend towards plant-based eating habits among consumers in the United States.

The vegan protein market is expected to hit $9.1 billion by 2027.

The statistic “The vegan protein market is expected to hit $9.1 billion by 2027” indicates the projected value of the global market for vegan protein products by the year 2027. This forecast suggests a significant growth in consumer demand for plant-based protein sources, driven by factors such as increasing awareness of health and environmental sustainability, as well as changing dietary preferences. The $9.1 billion figure highlights the potential economic impact of the vegan protein market, reflecting a growing trend towards plant-based diets and alternative protein sources in response to evolving consumer preferences and concerns.

The market for vegan women’s shoes is expected to reach $24.44 billion by 2027.

The statistic indicates that the market for vegan women’s shoes is projected to grow significantly, with an expected value of $24.44 billion by the year 2027. This prediction reflects the increasing popularity and demand for cruelty-free and sustainable footwear options among consumers, particularly women who are seeking animal-friendly products. The substantial market growth suggests a shift towards more ethical and environmentally conscious consumer choices, driving the expansion of the vegan footwear industry and presenting opportunities for businesses to capitalize on this trend.

The Vegan Supplements Market was valued at around USD 273 Million in 2021.

The statistic “The Vegan Supplements Market was valued at around USD 273 Million in 2021” indicates the total monetary worth of the market specifically dedicated to vegan supplements within the given year. This valuation represents the aggregate value of all vegan supplements sold and consumed, encompassing a variety of products such as vitamins, minerals, protein powders, and other dietary supplements tailored for individuals following a vegan lifestyle. The high valuation suggests a growing interest and demand for vegan supplements among consumers, reflecting shifting dietary preferences towards plant-based and cruelty-free options in the health and wellness industry. Additionally, this statistic serves as a valuable insight for businesses, investors, and policymakers seeking to understand and capitalize on the expanding market for vegan-friendly dietary products.

Sales of plant-based yogurt have seen a 39% increase over the last couple of years.

The statistic indicates that sales of plant-based yogurt have experienced a substantial growth of 39% over the past couple of years. This growth suggests a significant increase in consumer demand for plant-based yogurt products compared to previous years. The uptrend in sales could be attributed to various factors such as increasing awareness about plant-based diets, health and environmental considerations, and a growing preference for dairy alternatives among consumers. This statistic reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based products and may signal a potential long-term trend in the yogurt market towards plant-based offerings.

Retail sales of vegan ice cream are projected to surpass $1 billion in 2024.

This statistic indicates that the total sales revenue for vegan ice cream products is expected to exceed $1 billion in the year 2024. This projection suggests a significant growth and increasing demand for plant-based ice cream options among consumers. The data highlights a rising trend in the popularity of vegan products and a shift towards more ethical and sustainable choices in the food industry. The forecasted sales figure of over $1 billion signals a lucrative market opportunity for businesses operating in the vegan ice cream sector, and reflects the evolving preferences of consumers towards healthier and environmentally friendly food alternatives.

In 2021, an estimate of 500,000 participants from 200 countries took part in Veganuary.

The statistic indicates that in 2021, approximately 500,000 individuals from 200 different countries participated in Veganuary, a campaign that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. This data highlights the global reach and growing popularity of veganism as a dietary choice and lifestyle movement. The large number of participants from diverse geographic locations suggests increasing awareness and interest in plant-based diets, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health benefits associated with veganism. The statistic underscores the significant impact that Veganuary continues to have in promoting a plant-based way of living on a global scale.

70% of the global population is either reducing meat consumption or leaving meat off the table altogether.

This statistic indicates that a significant portion of the world’s population, specifically 70%, is either decreasing their consumption of meat or transitioning to a plant-based diet by eliminating meat from their meals entirely. This trend suggests a growing awareness and adoption of plant-based diets for various reasons, such as health, environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and animal welfare. The shift towards reducing meat consumption or choosing plant-based options aligns with the increasing popularity of vegetarianism and veganism worldwide. This statistic reflects a notable movement towards more sustainable and conscious food choices among individuals globally.

References

0. – https://www.vegconomist.com

1. – https://www.veganuary.com

2. – https://www.www.gfi.org

3. – https://www.www.meticulousresearch.com

4. – https://www.www.researchandmarkets.com

5. – https://www.www.theguardian.com

6. – https://www.fortune.com

7. – https://www.www.mordorintelligence.com

8. – https://www.globalagriculture.org

9. – https://www.www.vegansociety.com

10. – https://www.www.globenewswire.com

11. – https://www.www.veganbits.com

12. – https://www.plantproteins.co

13. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

14. – https://www.www.plantbasedfoods.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!