How Many Vegetarians Go Back to Eating Meat? Exploring the Data and Reasons

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

A well-known 2014 study by Faunalytics found that 84% of people who attempt a vegetarian or vegan diet eventually go back to eating meat. While this figure is frequently cited, a deeper look at the methodology and motivations reveals a more complex picture surrounding how many vegetarians go back to eating meat.

Quick Summary

This article examines the statistics and common reasons behind why many people revert to meat-eating after periods of vegetarianism. It provides context for popular figures and explores social, nutritional, and practical factors.

Key Points

The 84% Statistic: A 2014 Faunalytics study found that 84% of those who try a vegetarian or vegan diet eventually revert to eating meat, though this often reflects short-term attempts.
Conflicting Long-Term Data: Other research, like the EPIC-Oxford study, indicates that those who maintain a vegetarian diet for a longer duration have much lower recidivism rates over five and twenty-year periods.
Reverting is Multifaceted: Reasons for returning to meat include unresolved nutritional deficiencies (B12, iron), social pressures, practical challenges, and missing the taste of meat.
Abrupt Changes Fail More Often: The Faunalytics study found that a majority of those who reverted had transitioned abruptly, while gradual transitions are more commonly associated with long-term success.
Social and Emotional Hurdles: Feeling like an outsider or experiencing stress in relationships due to dietary differences can significantly impact a person's ability to maintain a meat-free diet.
Sustainability Matters: To maintain a vegetarian lifestyle, it helps to transition gradually, focus on balanced nutrition, and build a supportive community rather than adopting an all-or-nothing approach.

The Famous 84% Figure: Understanding the Faunalytics Study

The 84% statistic originates from a 2014 study by the Humane Research Council (now Faunalytics), which surveyed over 11,000 U.S. adults about their dietary history. The study found that while about 2% of the population was currently vegetarian or vegan, approximately 10% were former vegetarians or vegans. This led to the conclusion that a large majority of those who try a plant-based diet eventually abandon it.

However, it is crucial to understand the details of this study. A significant portion of those who reverted did so after a very short period: one-third lasted less than three months, and over half had started eating meat again within the first year. This suggests that many of these individuals were not long-term, deeply committed vegetarians, but rather short-term dieters or experimenters. The study's methodology of including these brief attempts led to a high recidivism rate that may not accurately reflect the commitment of those who stay meat-free for years.

Contrasting Long-Term Success

In contrast to the Faunalytics findings, other long-term studies, like the EPIC-Oxford study, show lower recidivism rates among self-identified vegetarians and vegans over many years. After five years, 85% of participants in that study remained on their diet, and after 20 years, 73% were still meat-free. This disparity highlights the importance of distinguishing between short-term trials and long-term, sustained commitment.

The Multifaceted Reasons Behind the Return to Meat

The reasons people cite for reverting to eating meat are complex and multi-layered, ranging from nutritional needs to social and emotional factors. Rarely is there a single cause, and often, several factors combine to make a meat-free diet unsustainable.

Nutritional and Health-Related Reasons:

Missing Nutrients: Some former vegetarians report health concerns such as fatigue, low iron, or vitamin B12 deficiencies, which are difficult to obtain solely from plant sources.
Constant Hunger: Cravings for meat often stem from a body's perceived need for protein, iron, or other specific nutrients that were lacking in an unbalanced plant-based diet.
Digestive Discomfort: A sudden switch to a high-fiber, low-fat plant-based diet can lead to digestive issues like bloating or constipation, causing some to give up.

Social and Emotional Factors:

Social Pressure: Feeling excluded at social gatherings, holidays, or while dining out with friends and family is a major hurdle for many.
Relationship Stress: Living with a non-vegetarian or non-vegan partner can create friction and logistical difficulties around meal preparation and shared meals.
Missing Cultural and Comfort Foods: Certain dishes have deep cultural or emotional significance, and missing out on these can be a powerful motivator to revert.
Emotional Stress: For some, an overly restrictive diet becomes difficult to maintain alongside other life stresses, like grief or financial hardship.

Practical Challenges:

Cost and Accessibility: In some areas, plant-based alternatives and fresh produce can be more expensive or harder to find than conventional meat products.
Difficulty with Travel: Traveling, especially to areas without many vegetarian options, can make maintaining a meat-free diet incredibly challenging.

Comparison: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Commitment to Vegetarianism

This table summarizes the different characteristics and outcomes associated with short-term dietary experimentation versus long-term commitment, based on various studies and anecdotal evidence.


Feature	Short-Term Attempt (often reverts)	Long-Term Commitment (likely to persist)
Primary Motivation	Often a single factor, like health.	Multiple, deep-seated motivations: health, ethics, environment.
Transition Speed	Tends to be abrupt or sudden.	Often a gradual, phased approach.
Dietary Experience	Finds the diet restrictive and socially difficult.	Views the diet as a core part of their identity.
Support System	Lacks involvement in vegetarian communities or networks.	Actively involved in and draws support from a community.
Outcome	High probability of reverting to eating meat.	High probability of maintaining a meat-free diet.

Strategies for Sustainable Dietary Change

For those considering a vegetarian diet, or former vegetarians looking to try again, several strategies can increase the likelihood of success:

Gradual Transition: Instead of going cold turkey, try phasing out meat slowly. Start with a few meatless days per week, and slowly increase the frequency as you adapt your cooking skills and palate.
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Pay close attention to getting sufficient protein, iron, and vitamin B12 from plant-based sources like lentils, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals. Consider supplements if necessary.
Develop a Meal Plan: Plan your meals in advance to avoid feeling restricted or overwhelmed. Experiment with new vegetarian recipes to find satisfying and delicious options.
Build a Support System: Connect with other vegetarians or vegans, either online or in person, to share recipes, experiences, and motivation.
Consult a Professional: A registered dietitian can help you create a balanced meal plan that meets all your nutritional needs and can offer guidance on managing any health concerns.

Conclusion: Navigating Dietary Identity

The question of how many vegetarians go back to eating meat has no single, simple answer. The often-cited 84% statistic is real but requires significant context, particularly regarding the length of commitment. The reasons for reverting are diverse, involving a complex interplay of health, social, and practical factors. For those seeking to maintain a plant-based diet, a slow, intentional transition, coupled with a focus on comprehensive nutrition and building a support network, can significantly improve the chances of long-term success. It is important to remember that dietary choices are personal and that reverting to old habits is a common experience, not a mark of failure.

For more research and insights, visit the Faunalytics website Faunalytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

The reasons are varied, but common factors include health concerns (e.g., nutrient deficiencies), social difficulties, and practical issues like limited access to suitable food. For many, it's a combination of these challenges.

No, the body does not lose its ability to digest meat. However, it may take some time for the digestive system to re-adapt, which can cause temporary issues like bloating or constipation if meat is reintroduced too quickly.

A gradual approach is often more successful. Instead of eliminating all meat at once, try a phased transition, starting with meatless meals a few times a week. This gives your body and mind time to adjust.

Yes, reversion is quite common. Studies indicate that there are significantly more former vegetarians than current ones, though the rate varies depending on factors like duration and motivation.

Communicating your needs clearly with friends and family is important. Finding a supportive community, either online or locally, can also help you feel less isolated and better equipped to handle social situations.

Those with long-term success often have multiple, deeply held motivations (health, ethics, environment) and transition gradually. Short-term attempts are more often motivated by a single factor, such as health, and involve an abrupt change.

It can be, as it includes individuals who attempted the diet for a very short time. It doesn't differentiate between a lifelong vegetarian and someone who tried it for a few weeks, which skews the overall reversion rate.