Unpacking the 84% Statistic
The most famous, and often misused, statistic regarding vegan attrition comes from a 2014 study by Faunalytics (then the Humane Research Council). This research surveyed U.S. adults, finding that 10% were former vegetarians/vegans, while only 2% were current. From these numbers, the 84% figure (10 out of 12) was derived, indicating that the vast majority who try a meat-free diet eventually lapse. However, this figure should be viewed with significant context.
Why the 84% Figure is Misleading
- Conflates Veganism and Vegetarianism: The study grouped both dietary patterns, masking the potentially stronger commitment of ethical vegans compared to health-conscious vegetarians.
- Includes Short-term Attempts: A large portion of respondents who quit did so within the first year, many lasting less than three months. These short-term 'triers' inflate the dropout rate significantly and may never have been truly committed to a long-term lifestyle change.
- Does Not Account for Dietary Reduction: The study notes that even former vegans and vegetarians often continue to eat fewer animal products than the average person, meaning their efforts were not entirely abandoned.
- Recidivism Rates Over Time Vary: Other studies, such as the EPIC-Oxford study, show much higher retention rates over long periods, indicating that committed individuals are more likely to stick with their diet.
Primary Reasons Why Vegans Quit
Research points to a range of factors that cause people to abandon their vegan diet. These are not isolated issues but often interconnected challenges.
Common Challenges for Ex-Vegans
- Health Issues: Some individuals report health problems, such as nutrient deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12, protein), fatigue, or digestive problems, especially if they lack proper nutritional guidance.
- Social Difficulties: Feeling ostracized or different from friends and family is a major deterrent for many. Difficult social interactions and judgment from others can erode motivation over time.
- Inconvenience: Finding vegan-friendly options, especially when traveling, dining out, or shopping, can be a major source of stress. The effort of meal planning can become overwhelming without preparation.
- Cravings: The desire for familiar foods, particularly cheese, is a powerful driver for some ex-vegans. These cravings can be linked to psychological habits as much as physical need.
- Cost: While a whole-foods plant-based diet can be cheaper, relying on expensive, processed meat and dairy alternatives can significantly increase a grocery budget, making the lifestyle feel financially unsustainable.
- Lack of Support: Many who quit report having no involvement in a vegan community or support system, suggesting isolation plays a critical role in their decision.
Factors Influencing Vegan Retention
The Importance of Motivation
Studies suggest that the reason for going vegan initially heavily influences long-term success.
| Motivation Comparison | Motivation Type | Impact on Retention | Associated Behaviors | Resilience to Lapsing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethical/Animal Protection | High | Deeply rooted conviction, lifestyle extends beyond diet | High, strong moral worldview helps sustain commitment | |
| Health Reasons | Moderate/High (if results achieved) | Focusing on specific health goals, potentially more flexible | Moderate, may lapse if perceived health benefits don't materialize quickly | |
| Environmental Concerns | Moderate/High | Awareness of broader impact, potentially strong moral compass | Moderate, linked to personal values and global awareness | |
| Dietary Experimentation | Low | Primarily driven by trend or curiosity, often short-term | Low, less intrinsic motivation to overcome challenges |
Building a Sustainable Vegan Lifestyle
To increase the likelihood of sticking with a vegan diet, several strategies prove effective.
- Educate Yourself on Nutrition: Understanding how to replace nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, and calcium is crucial for preventing health issues. Resources like The Vegan Society's website offer valuable guidance.
- Build a Support Network: Joining local or online vegan communities can combat feelings of isolation and provide a crucial support system.
- Find Convenient Food Options: Learn to cook simple, flavorful vegan meals and identify local restaurants with good plant-based choices to make eating out less stressful.
- Adopt a Gradual Transition: Instead of a sudden shift, transitioning slowly through stages like Meatless Mondays or vegetarianism can be more manageable and sustainable.
- Remember Your 'Why': Regularly reconnecting with the initial motivation, whether it's for the animals, your health, or the environment, can reinforce commitment.
Conclusion
While a single, simple number for what percentage of vegans quit is difficult to pinpoint accurately, the oft-cited 84% figure is significantly misleading. It primarily reflects the high dropout rate of people trying a plant-based diet for short periods, often for health, rather than the long-term attrition of committed ethical vegans. Factors such as strong motivation, community support, and nutritional planning are far more predictive of a person's ability to maintain a vegan lifestyle over time. Rather than focusing solely on a negative statistic, the broader context reveals the nuanced challenges and opportunities for success in sustaining a plant-based diet.
