Latest Vegan Population Statistics in Italy
Recent data from prominent research sources provide insight into the size and growth of the vegan population in Italy. While figures fluctuate slightly between studies, a consistent upward trend is evident, with the vegan percentage hovering between 2% and 3% of the total population in recent years.
A Statista survey in 2024 reported that 2.3% of Italians were vegan. This represents a significant portion of the country's population and is part of a larger trend that has seen the number of 'veg' individuals rise. A separate report by Eurispes, as cited in a 2023 MDPI study, noted that the percentage of Italians following a vegan diet increased from 1.4% in 2022 to 2.4% in 2023. These numbers showcase that the vegan community is steadily growing, despite some yearly variations.
Notable Population Trends
Beyond simple percentages, other data reveal interesting trends within the Italian vegan demographic:
- Gender Split: Research has found differences in gender distribution, with some studies indicating that veganism is more evenly distributed or even has a slight prevalence among men, unlike vegetarianism which is more common among women.
- Generational Appeal: Younger generations, particularly those aged 18 to 25, show a higher propensity for adopting a vegan diet. One report noted that 4.8% of this demographic identified as vegan.
- Geographical Distribution: The concentration of vegans varies significantly across Italy. Statista's 2024 data reveals a higher percentage of vegan individuals in the North-West (3.6%) compared to the Center (1.6%) and South (1.7%).
The Growth of the Plant-Based Market
The rising number of vegan consumers is reflected in the strong performance of the plant-based food market. As more Italians explore vegan and flexitarian diets, the demand for non-animal products continues to surge, prompting retailers and food manufacturers to expand their offerings.
According to the Good Food Institute Europe, Italy's plant-based retail market experienced a 7.6% growth in 2024, with sales reaching €639 million in supermarkets and discount stores. This growth was not solely driven by price inflation but by a genuine increase in demand, with unit sales rising by 10%.
Product Categories Driving Market Growth
- Plant-Based Milk: Remains the most established category, accounting for over half of all plant-based retail sales in 2024 and making up 8% of the total milk market.
- Plant-Based Cheese: This category, while still niche, is expanding rapidly, with sales value soaring by 45% between 2023 and 2024.
- Plant-Based Meat: Alternatives are also performing well, showing a 14.7% increase in value during the same period.
Motivations and Challenges for Italian Vegans
Research on the vegan lifestyle in Italy highlights a range of motivations, as well as several obstacles faced by the community.
Why Italians Go Vegan
- Ethical Concerns: Many Italians cite a broader philosophy of life centered on ethics and respect for animals as their primary motivation.
- Health and Wellness: Personal well-being, both physical and mental, is a significant driver. Many report improved health outcomes after adopting a vegan diet.
- Environmental Protection: Growing awareness of climate change and environmental sustainability also influences the decision to go plant-based.
Common Difficulties
- Dining Out: Many Italian vegans report difficulty finding suitable options when eating out, especially in restaurants that are not specifically vegan-friendly.
- Medical Misinformation: A study found that many vegans experience skepticism or receive insufficient guidance from some health professionals, including pediatricians.
- Social Situations: Some individuals feel social pressure or embarrassment, which can lead to intentional deviations from their diet, particularly in situations with limited vegan options.
The Changing Italian Diet: Vegan vs. Vegetarian vs. Omnivore
The shift towards veganism is part of a broader evolution in Italian dietary habits. The table below provides a comparison of how different dietary choices are represented in the Italian population based on 2024 data.
| Dietary Choice | Percentage of Population (2024) | Key Food Exclusions | Key Growth Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omnivore | ~90.5% | None | Remained majority, but with a growing trend of reduction in meat/dairy consumption. |
| Vegetarian | 7.2% | Meat, poultry, fish | Reached a decade-high in 2024, rebounding from a 2022 dip. |
| Vegan | 2.3% | Meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, honey | Steady increase, quadrupling in percentage between 2014 and 2024. |
| Flexitarian | Growing trend | Varies (reducing meat/dairy) | A significant portion of Italians (35% in 2020) are reducing animal product consumption. |
Conclusion
The number of vegans in Italy, while still a minority, has experienced substantial growth over the past decade, reaching approximately 2.3% of the population in 2024. This trend is fueled by increasing awareness of health, ethical, and environmental issues, particularly among younger generations. The market for plant-based foods is flourishing in response, with significant growth in categories like vegan cheese and meat alternatives. While challenges such as dining out and interacting with healthcare professionals persist, the overall picture shows a positive trajectory for veganism in a country famed for its traditional food culture. The rise of plant-based options and shifting attitudes suggest that this demographic will continue to expand in the coming years.
For more information on the European plant-based market, you can review sales data from GFI Europe.
