Understanding the Commitment: How Long Do Most Vegans Stay Vegan?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a frequently cited 2014 study by Faunalytics, a staggering 84% of vegetarians and vegans abandon their diet. This statistic has shaped public perception, but understanding how long do most vegans stay vegan requires a closer look at the data, the nuances of motivation, and the challenges faced.

Quick Summary

An examination of vegan retention rates reveals that while initial attrition is high, especially for those with purely health-related motives, many ethical vegans sustain their diet for decades. Success depends on proper nutritional knowledge, social support, and framing it as a lifestyle, not a restrictive diet.

Key Points

Initial Attrition is High: Early statistics suggesting high rates of vegans quitting should be viewed in context, as they often include individuals who tried a temporary plant-based diet rather than a dedicated vegan lifestyle.
Ethical Motivation Drives Longevity: Vegans committed for animal welfare reasons are more likely to sustain their diet long-term compared to those motivated solely by health concerns.
Nutritional Planning is Crucial: Failure to properly plan meals and supplement essential nutrients like B12 is a leading reason people stop, often due to perceived health issues.
Social Support Mitigates Relapse: Having a supportive community, whether online or in person, helps counter feelings of isolation and judgment from non-vegan friends and family.
Treat it as a Lifestyle, Not a Diet: Long-term success is more likely when veganism is adopted as a core part of one's identity and values, rather than a restrictive plan for weight loss or temporary health goals.
Proper Preparation Overcomes Inconvenience: Meal planning, knowing where to find vegan options, and having strategies for social situations significantly reduce the feeling of difficulty and inconvenience.
The Taste Paradox is Real: Cravings, especially for cheese, and dissatisfaction with certain vegan alternatives are major factors for lapsing, highlighting the need to find satisfying, flavorful replacements.

The Misunderstood Statistic: Deciphering Vegan Longevity

The perception that a majority of vegans quit is largely fueled by a 2014 Faunalytics report indicating an 84% recidivism rate among former vegetarians and vegans. However, critics point out significant limitations in how this study has been interpreted and publicized. The survey included individuals who tried a plant-based diet for very short periods, with about a third quitting within three months and over half within a year. For someone exploring a temporary diet change, a quick return to old habits is more likely than for a committed ethical vegan.

In contrast, longitudinal studies of long-term followers present a different picture. The EPIC-Oxford study, which tracked a cohort of self-identified vegans and vegetarians, found that 85% were still following their diet after five years, and 73% remained so after 20 years. This suggests that once people move past the initial challenges and cement their commitment, retention rates are much higher than the oft-quoted figure suggests. The distinction between a short-term plant-based diet and a dedicated, long-term vegan lifestyle is crucial for understanding these seemingly contradictory statistics.

Ethical Commitment vs. Health-Oriented Approaches

The primary motivation for adopting a vegan diet plays a significant role in determining its longevity. Research consistently shows that those who transition for ethical reasons—driven by concern for animal welfare—are more likely to maintain their commitment long-term compared to those who primarily adopt the diet for health benefits.

The Importance of a 'Why'

For ethical vegans, the decision is often rooted in a core belief system, making it a lifestyle choice rather than a temporary diet plan. This ethical foundation can provide the necessary motivation to overcome practical and social hurdles. When faced with inconvenience or social pressure, the ethical underpinning serves as a strong anchor, reinforcing the decision.

Conversely, those who adopt a plant-based diet solely for health reasons may be less resilient. If the expected health benefits don't materialize quickly, or if they face a health challenge perceived to be related to their diet, they may feel less compelled to continue. This highlights that framing veganism as a holistic lifestyle change rather than just a nutritional experiment is key to sustaining it.

The Top Reasons Vegans Revert to Animal Products

For those who do abandon veganism, several common factors emerge. Addressing these issues proactively can significantly increase the chances of long-term adherence.

Health Concerns and Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of knowledge about proper vegan nutrition can lead to insufficient intake of calories and essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, and protein. This can result in fatigue, anemia, and other health issues, prompting a return to animal products.
Social Isolation and Stigma: Many ex-vegans report feeling conspicuous or isolated, particularly during social gatherings and meals with family and friends. The constant need to explain and justify their choices can be mentally exhausting and contribute to giving up.
Inconvenience and Cost: Finding suitable vegan options can still be challenging and sometimes more expensive, especially when eating out or traveling. A lack of meal planning can exacerbate feelings of restriction.
Cravings and Taste Expectations: For many, the powerful cravings for certain animal products, especially cheese, can be a major hurdle. Some individuals find that vegan alternatives don't satisfy their taste expectations, while others find the mental game of restriction simply too difficult.

Practical Strategies for Making Veganism Last

To increase the chances of long-term success, prospective and current vegans can adopt several strategies:

Become a Nutritional Expert: Educate yourself on complete protein sources, fortified foods, and the necessity of B12 supplementation. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian specializing in plant-based diets.
Build a Support Network: Connect with other vegans, either online or in person. Community support can combat feelings of isolation and provide practical advice for navigating social and culinary challenges.
Master Meal Planning: Meal prepping, batch cooking, and stocking up on vegan-friendly convenience foods can significantly reduce the perceived effort and cost of a vegan lifestyle.
Prepare for Social Situations: Plan ahead when eating out by researching restaurants. When attending social events, consider bringing a delicious vegan dish to share, demonstrating the enjoyment of plant-based food.
Focus on Abundance, Not Restriction: Instead of focusing on what's eliminated, concentrate on the vast and exciting world of plant-based foods available. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients to keep meals fresh and satisfying.

Comparing Early vs. Long-Term Vegan Experiences


Aspect	Early Adopters (Lower Retention)	Long-Term Vegans (Higher Retention)
Primary Motivation	Often health-centric, or a fleeting interest.	Driven by ethical concerns for animals and the environment.
Nutritional Approach	May eliminate animal products without adequate replacement, leading to deficiencies.	Knowledgeable about macro- and micronutrients, ensures balanced meals and supplementation.
Social Experience	Struggle with feeling conspicuous; may not seek out vegan community.	Proactively builds a support network and navigates social situations with confidence.
Relationship with Food	Focus on restriction, battling cravings, and may feel deprived.	Focus on abundance and exploration; discovers a new passion for food.
Resilience	More likely to revert when faced with challenges like inconvenience or health issues.	Ethical foundation provides strong motivation to overcome obstacles.

Conclusion: Commitment and Knowledge Drive Longevity

While sensationalized statistics suggest a low retention rate, the reality of vegan longevity is more nuanced. Initial attrition, particularly among those with weaker motivations or inadequate preparation, is indeed high. However, for those who successfully transition past this phase, particularly those driven by ethical convictions, veganism becomes a sustainable and lasting lifestyle. Long-term adherence is significantly influenced by a solid understanding of nutrition, proactive planning, a supportive community, and a resilient mindset that embraces the change as a lifestyle, not a short-term diet. Rather than asking “how long do most vegans stay vegan?” based on flawed statistics, the focus should be on the factors that allow dedicated individuals to thrive for years and even decades.

Visit a resource for support for new vegans for more help with your transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Older, frequently cited studies suggested high rates of abandonment, with over half quitting within a year. However, these studies often included individuals on short-term plant-based diets, and later research following committed vegans showed much higher retention rates over decades.

The reasons are varied, but common factors include health concerns stemming from poor nutritional planning, a lack of social support and feeling isolated, and difficulty managing food cravings, particularly for dairy products like cheese.

Yes, studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that individuals motivated by ethical concerns for animals are more likely to adhere to a vegan diet long-term than those whose primary motivation is health-related.

It is important to educate yourself on proper plant-based nutrition, ensuring a balanced intake of protein and calories. Consistent supplementation of Vitamin B12 is non-negotiable, and other nutrients like iron and Omega-3s may require attention through fortified foods or supplements.

Many people find the social aspect the most difficult, dealing with judgment from family and friends, and navigating social events where food is central. The transition phase also requires planning to avoid feeling restricted or overwhelmed.

Yes, finding a supportive community is highly beneficial. It helps reduce feelings of isolation, provides practical tips for navigating a plant-based lifestyle, and reinforces the shared values that motivate adherence.

The 'cheese paradox' refers to the powerful, sometimes addictive, cravings many people experience for cheese. Even when ethically aware of its source, the mental and taste hurdles of giving up cheese can be a significant barrier to maintaining a vegan diet.