The question of what percentage of vegans stay vegan is fraught with complex and often conflicting data. While a highly publicized study suggested a massive dropout rate, other research indicates much stronger long-term retention. Understanding the nuances behind these figures reveals a more accurate picture of dietary commitment.
The Misunderstood '84% Quitting' Statistic
The claim that 84% of vegans and vegetarians abandon their diet comes from a 2014 study by the animal advocacy research group Faunalytics. This statistic, however, is often used out of context and has significant methodological limitations that are important to consider.
- Methodology Concerns: The Faunalytics study surveyed current omnivores about their past attempts at vegetarian or vegan diets. This relies on retrospective self-reporting and doesn't represent a true cohort study of committed vegans over time.
- Motivation for Quitting: The research found that 58% of those who abandoned the diet did so for health reasons. This suggests that many were initially following a 'plant-based diet' for health, not an ethical vegan lifestyle, which is often considered a stronger motivator.
- Short-Term Attempts: A large portion of the 'lapsed' individuals in the Faunalytics study only attempted the diet for a very short period—with 34% lasting less than three months and 53% lasting less than one year. It's debatable whether these individuals ever truly identified as long-term vegans.
Contradicting Studies and Strong Retention Rates
Not all research paints a picture of high turnover. The long-running EPIC-Oxford study, which followed tens of thousands of participants in the UK, found a different story.
- High Long-Term Retention: EPIC-Oxford data indicated that 73% of those who identified as vegetarian or vegan in the mid-1990s were still following their diet 20 years later.
- Low Early Recidivism: An earlier follow-up from the same study showed that after five years, 85% of participants were still adhering to their diets, indicating a recidivism rate of only 15% during that period.
- The Difference: The core difference between the studies is that EPIC-Oxford followed self-identified long-term vegetarians and vegans, providing a more reliable measure of committed dietary choices. In contrast, the Faunalytics study focused on a broader group of people who simply tried the diet at some point.
Why People Return to Eating Animal Products
Studies identify a range of factors that lead to people reverting to their previous dietary habits. These reasons are not exclusive but often interplay, creating significant pressure to abandon the vegan lifestyle.
- Health Concerns: Reported health issues, or a perceived lack of benefits, are a primary reason for quitting. For some, an ill-managed diet can lead to deficiencies in nutrients like B12, iron, or calcium.
- Social Difficulties: Navigating social situations, such as eating out with friends or family gatherings, can be challenging. Feelings of social stigma or just 'sticking out from the crowd' also play a significant role.
- Practical Inconvenience: Difficulty finding suitable food products, especially in certain geographical areas or while traveling, is a major obstacle. This is particularly true for those who have less cooking experience.
- Cravings and Taste: Dissatisfaction with vegan food or strong cravings for meat and dairy products are a common struggle for many. Cheese, specifically, is often cited as a difficult item to give up due to its casein content.
- Lack of Motivation or Support: A loss of motivation can occur, especially if initial expectations were unrealistic. A lack of support from family and friends can also undermine one's resolve.
Comparison of Vegan Retention Study Findings
| Feature | Faunalytics Study (2014) | EPIC-Oxford Study (1990s-2010) |
|---|---|---|
| Study Population | Former and current omnivores reporting past veg*n diets. | Self-identified vegetarians and vegans. |
| Recidivism Rate | Claimed 84% abandonment. | Only 15% after 5 years, and 27% after 20 years. |
| Duration of Diet | Many lapsed in under a year (53%) or three months (34%). | Followed participants for over 20 years. |
| Primary Motivation | Most lapsed for health reasons (58%). | Long-term commitment rooted in ethics or health. |
| Key Takeaway | A large number of people try plant-based diets briefly. | Long-term vegans demonstrate strong retention. |
The Importance of Initial Motivation and Community
The data suggests that initial motivation is a powerful predictor of long-term success. People who transition for ethical reasons tend to have a more robust and sustained commitment than those focused solely on perceived health benefits. Furthermore, a strong community, whether online or in-person, provides the crucial support needed to navigate the challenges of social pressure and inconvenience. Having a clear understanding of vegan nutrition and meal planning is also vital for ensuring the diet is both sustainable and healthy.
Conclusion: Looking Beyond a Single Statistic
When considering what percentage of vegans stay vegan, it's clear that a single, definitive number is misleading. The highly publicized '84% quit' figure represents a broad group of people who made short-term attempts at a plant-based diet, not committed vegans. More reliable long-term studies, like EPIC-Oxford, show much higher retention rates, especially among those with deep ethical motivations. Ultimately, the success of staying vegan is less about a universal statistic and more about individual commitment, knowledge, and social support. For those navigating the transition, focusing on the reasons for the choice, building a strong support system, and acquiring practical skills are the most effective strategies for long-term success.
Faunalytics' 2014 study analysis sheds more light on the reasons for lapsing
