Who Is Adopting Veganism by Age?
While veganism is often associated with younger generations, the demographic landscape is more nuanced, varying by region and specific study. In many Western countries, such as the UK and US, younger adults do constitute a larger proportion of the vegan population. However, it is important to analyze the data to gain a complete understanding.
Generational Trends in the United States
Research consistently highlights a generational divide in the adoption of veganism within the U.S. A 2023 study found that roughly five percent of Millennials and Gen Z adhere to vegan diets, in stark contrast to just one percent of Baby Boomers. This suggests that younger generations are driving the modern vegan movement, influenced by a combination of social media, digital activism, and heightened awareness of ethical and environmental concerns. Despite this, a 2014 study from Faunalytics found that the average age of current vegans and vegetarians was 42. This seemingly contradictory data highlights that many long-term vegans exist, even if a higher percentage of new adherents are younger.
UK Age-Specific Veganism Data
In the UK, the age distribution for veganism presents slightly different findings. A 2023 study cited by Veganisingit found that the highest percentage of vegans was among those aged 30-39, at 6%. The lowest was the 60-64 age group, at just 1%. The Vegan Society noted in 2025 that younger people (ages 16–64) are generally twice as likely as older generations to embrace vegan living. This data, while supporting the general trend of younger adoption, shows specific regional variations in peak adoption age.
Motivations Driving Veganism Across Ages
The reasons individuals become vegan are as diverse as the community itself, but there are distinct patterns across different age groups. Understanding these motivations is key to grasping the demographic shifts.
- Younger Generations (Gen Z, Millennials): These groups are often propelled by ethical concerns for animals and environmental activism. Growing up with instant access to information, they are more exposed to documentaries and social media content highlighting the impacts of animal agriculture. Health is also a factor, but often alongside these ethical and environmental drivers.
- Older Generations (Gen X, Baby Boomers): For these age groups, health concerns are a particularly strong motivator for adopting a plant-based diet. Research shows older adults are seeking ways to improve their health as they age, and plant-based diets are known for their health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease.
Generational Veganism: A Statistical Comparison
This table illustrates reported veganism rates across different generations, drawing from recent studies in the US and UK.
| Generation | US Vegan Rate (Approx. 2023) | UK Vegan Rate (2023) | Typical Motivations | Average Age of Vegans (Faunalytics 2014) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | ~5% | Varies (under 30) | Ethics, environment, social trends | (n/a) |
| Millennials | ~5-8% | Varies (under 40) | Ethics, environment, health | (n/a) |
| Gen X | ~2% | Varies (40-49) | Health, environment | (n/a) |
| Baby Boomers | ~1% | Varies (50+) | Health, longevity | (n/a) |
| All Vegans | ~2% | ~2-3% | Varies | 42 (in 2014) |
Insights from Former Vegans
Research on former vegans also provides valuable context regarding the average age. A Faunalytics study found that former vegans/vegetarians had an average age of 48 in 2014, notably higher than the 42-year average for current vegans. This indicates a churn in the vegan community, with some individuals returning to omnivorous diets. The primary motivation for former vegans trying the diet was often health-related, and many maintained it for less than a year, suggesting that sustained commitment may be more common among younger adherents.
The Future of Veganism by Age
As the vegan movement continues to grow, particularly among younger, socially conscious generations, the age profile will continue to evolve. The shift towards plant-based alternatives is becoming mainstream, driven by this youth movement. However, the continued engagement of older adults, especially those motivated by health, ensures that the vegan demographic will remain diverse and not exclusively a youth phenomenon. Awareness campaigns and product development will likely continue to target this broad spectrum of consumers. The continued advocacy of younger generations and the adoption by older generations for health reasons will likely propel the movement forward.
Conclusion
The age of most vegans is not a single number but a reflection of generational trends and motivations. While data consistently points to a higher rate of adoption among Millennials and Gen Z, the community includes dedicated individuals of all ages. Younger vegans are often driven by ethical and environmental factors, while health plays a significant role for older adopters. As the plant-based movement grows, a deeper understanding of these demographic nuances will continue to be crucial. For more information on veganism, resources can be found through organizations like The Vegan Society.
