How Many Vegans Relapse? What the Statistics Reveal

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a much-cited 2014 study from Faunalytics, a non-profit research organization, 84% of former vegetarians and vegans in the US eventually return to eating meat. The stark figure has fueled debate and confusion, prompting a closer look into the crucial question of exactly how many vegans relapse and the true reasons behind their dietary changes.

Quick Summary

An examination of vegan relapse rates reveals a more complex picture than often reported, with different studies showing varying long-term adherence based on initial motivation. Key reasons for lapsing include social issues, convenience, and nutritional concerns, though many former vegans still reduce their overall animal product consumption.

Key Points

Misleading Statistics: The widely cited 84% vegan relapse figure from a 2014 study largely represents short-term dieters and has methodological issues.
Higher Retention for Long-Term Vegans: The EPIC-Oxford study shows long-term vegans and vegetarians have a much higher retention rate, with 73% still adhering after 20 years.
Common Causes of Relapse: Key reasons for lapsing include perceived health problems, social challenges, inconvenience, and food cravings.
The Role of Motivation: The strength of one's initial motivation, especially if it's ethical rather than purely health-based, is a significant predictor of long-term success.
Preventive Strategies: To avoid relapsing, focus on gradual transitions, building a support network, ensuring nutritional completeness, and adopting a flexible mindset.
Reduced Animal Product Consumption: Many former vegans who return to eating meat still consume fewer animal products overall compared to the general population.

Understanding the Complex Vegan Relapse Numbers

The most widely circulated statistic on vegan relapse originates from a 2014 study by Faunalytics (formerly the Humane Research Council). The survey of over 11,000 Americans found that 84% of former vegetarians and vegans had reverted to eating animal products. However, the study's methodology, which polled former dietary adherents about their reasons for stopping, has been a source of significant debate and potential misinterpretation. Critics argue that the study included a large number of short-term dieters, many of whom tried the diet for only a few months or less than a year. This means the 84% figure may not accurately reflect the commitment level of long-term or ethically motivated vegans.

The Nuance of Study Findings

In contrast to the Faunalytics study, the long-running EPIC-Oxford study, which tracks the dietary habits of thousands of participants over many years, paints a different picture of long-term adherence. It found that after five years, 85% of self-identified vegans and vegetarians were still following their diet, with the figure dropping to 73% after 20 years. This suggests a much lower recidivism rate among those with a deeper, more sustained commitment. This highlights a crucial distinction between individuals who try a plant-based diet for a short period, often for perceived health benefits, versus those who adopt a fully vegan lifestyle grounded in strong ethical beliefs. For many in the latter category, veganism is more than just a diet—it's a core identity, which provides greater resilience against relapse.

Common Reasons Why Vegans Relapse

Relapsing is rarely due to a single factor. Instead, it's often a complex interplay of personal, social, and nutritional challenges. Former vegans commonly cite the following reasons for returning to animal products:

Health and Nutrition: This is one of the most frequently mentioned reasons for lapsing. Some individuals struggle with energy levels, feel hungry frequently, or experience nutrient deficiencies (especially Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, and Omega-3s) if they do not properly plan their meals. The perception of declining health can prompt a return to familiar eating habits. It's important to note that many of these issues are preventable with proper nutritional knowledge and supplementation.
Social Isolation and Pressure: Living in a meat-centric society can create feelings of alienation and social pressure. Navigating family gatherings, dining out, and partner preferences can be challenging and lead to compromises. A lack of social support from fellow vegans is another significant factor cited in studies.
Convenience and Access: Sourcing specialty vegan products or finding suitable options while traveling can be a logistical challenge, particularly for those on a strict whole-food, plant-based diet. The perceived inconvenience can lead to frustration and relapse.
Cravings and Taste: The desire for familiar foods, particularly cheese or meat, can be powerful. Cravings can be influenced by various factors, including emotional triggers and hormonal fluctuations. Learning to manage these desires by finding satisfying plant-based alternatives is a key strategy for success.
Identity Shift: For some, their ethical or health motivations change over time. Re-evaluating their relationship with food and animal products can lead to a shift in their values and dietary choices.

Comparing Studies: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Adherence


Feature	Faunalytics (2014)	EPIC-Oxford Study
Methodology	Retrospective survey of former vegetarians/vegans.	Longitudinal study tracking existing vegetarians/vegans.
Primary Motivation	Many former adherents motivated by health concerns.	Focus on long-term, self-identified vegans/vegetarians.
Sample Size	Over 11,000 respondents, mostly in the US.	Thousands of participants over two decades.
Reported Relapse Rate	84% returned to meat-eating.	15% after 5 years, 27% after 20 years.
Main Takeaway	Many who attempt plant-based diets for a short time fail to adhere to them.	Long-term, committed vegans have very high retention rates.
Limitations	Potential for recall bias, self-selection issues, and confounding short-term trends.	Some self-identified vegetarians may occasionally eat meat.

Practical Steps to Prevent Vegan Relapse

Educate Yourself on Nutrition: Understand how to get adequate protein, iron, calcium, and especially Vitamin B12, which must be supplemented on a vegan diet. Consult a registered dietitian if you have concerns about meeting your needs.
Take a Gradual Approach: Rather than going cold-turkey, consider transitioning to veganism over several weeks or months. This allows your body and social life to adjust smoothly.
Build a Support Network: Connect with other vegans, either online or in person. A strong community can provide encouragement, recipe ideas, and a sense of belonging that combats isolation.
Embrace Flexibility: Perfectionism can be a trap. If you have a meal that isn't fully plant-based, don't view it as a failure. Reframe your intentions and remember that small, consistent efforts are more sustainable than rigid ideals.
Plan and Prepare Meals: Meal prepping can significantly reduce the inconvenience and stress of finding vegan-friendly food options on the go. Stocking your pantry with staples like legumes, grains, and nuts ensures you always have options.
Find Satisfying Alternatives: Seek out delicious and accessible vegan recipes and alternatives for your favorite comfort foods. Recreating familiar tastes can help manage cravings and increase satisfaction.

The Takeaway

While the 84% figure grabs headlines, it misrepresents the experience of committed vegans. A closer look at research shows that those with deeper motivations and a long-term mindset demonstrate a much higher rate of adherence. For aspiring or new vegans, success is not a matter of perfection but rather a combination of proper nutritional planning, a solid support system, and a flexible approach to navigate the social challenges of modern life.

Vegan Food & Living: Lapsed Vegans

Conclusion

The question of how many vegans relapse does not have a single, simple answer. Statistics vary widely depending on the study's methodology, and the 84% figure often cited does not account for the high long-term retention rates of ethically-motivated individuals. Rather than focusing on a single, controversial number, understanding the multifaceted reasons for dietary recidivism—including nutritional, social, and psychological factors—provides a more complete picture. By approaching a plant-based diet with proper planning, education, and community support, individuals can successfully navigate challenges and significantly increase their chances of long-term adherence.

Frequently Asked Questions

The widely publicized 84% statistic is based on a 2014 Faunalytics study which surveyed former and current vegetarians and vegans. The figure largely reflects short-term dieters, many of whom tried the diet for less than a year. Longer-term studies, like EPIC-Oxford, show much higher retention rates for committed vegans.

The most common reasons include perceived health issues (such as nutrient deficiencies or low energy), social pressure and isolation, a lack of convenience or dissatisfaction with food options, and strong cravings for animal products.

No, many former vegans do not return to their previous level of meat consumption. Studies indicate that a significant portion of lapsed vegans continue to consume fewer animal products overall compared to the general omnivorous population.

Community support is very important. Feeling isolated and disconnected from friends and family who don't share their dietary choices is a major factor in vegan relapse. Connecting with a supportive vegan network helps to provide encouragement and a sense of belonging.

Key nutritional challenges include ensuring adequate intake of Vitamin B12 (requiring supplementation), iron (considering non-heme iron's lower absorption), calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Poorly planned diets can lead to fatigue or other health concerns.

The EPIC-Oxford study is a long-term, longitudinal study that has tracked the dietary habits of thousands of participants over decades. It is important because it provides data on long-term adherence, showing that committed vegans have much higher retention rates than suggested by retrospective surveys.

To increase success, people should educate themselves on proper vegan nutrition, transition gradually rather than abruptly, build a supportive community, plan meals in advance, and adopt a flexible mindset that prioritizes consistency over perfection.