What percent of vegans go back to eating meat and why they might return

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a frequently cited 2014 study by Faunalytics, a large percentage of former vegetarians and vegans report reverting to meat consumption. We'll delve into the nuance behind this figure to accurately address what percent of vegans go back to eating meat.

Quick Summary

The exact percentage of vegans returning to meat varies by study, with older data often conflating vegans and vegetarians. Key factors for a switch include nutritional challenges, social pressures, cravings, and transitioning too quickly.

Key Points

84% Misconception: The widely cited 84% statistic refers to former vegetarians and vegans combined, often conflating short-term attempts with committed vegans.
Vegan vs. Vegetarian Relapse: The 2014 Faunalytics study indicated vegans were slightly less likely to revert than vegetarians, though the overall figure was high.
Crucial Factors: Key reasons for reverting include nutritional issues (especially B12 and protein), social challenges, inconvenience, cost, and strong cravings.
Support Matters: Studies like Veganuary's 2024 survey show that support and a gradual transition can significantly improve the likelihood of a participant remaining vegan or reducing animal product consumption long-term.
Motivations Differ: Committed vegans often have multi-faceted motivations (ethics, health, environment), while those who revert are more likely to have started for health reasons alone.
Slow and Steady: Individuals who transition to a plant-based diet more gradually tend to have a higher retention rate than those who switch abruptly.

Understanding the Statistics: Deconstructing the 84% Figure

Many discussions around vegan recidivism center on a figure suggesting that 84% of individuals who try a meat-free diet eventually abandon it and go back to eating meat. This often-misinterpreted number stems from a 2014 study by the research organization Faunalytics (formerly the Humane Research Council). However, it's crucial to understand the context and limitations of this statistic. The study grouped vegetarians and vegans together, with a significant majority being vegetarians. More importantly, it included those who were only plant-based for a very short period, with over half reverting within the first year. When broken down, the same research showed that vegans were actually less likely to revert than vegetarians.

Limitations of the 2014 Faunalytics Study

The research, while a valuable dataset at the time, has some key limitations that must be considered. First, it's now a decade old, and the landscape of veganism has changed dramatically. The availability of plant-based products, widespread information, and larger online communities now offer unprecedented support for new vegans. Second, many participants included were not long-term, committed vegans. The study defined former vegetarians/vegans as anyone who had adopted the diet at any point. Third, the study was conducted on a U.S. sample and might not be representative of global trends. Therefore, relying solely on this single figure to represent all vegan outcomes is inaccurate.

Newer Insights from Veganuary Data

More recent data from targeted studies, such as the Veganuary 2024 participant survey, offer a different perspective, particularly for those receiving support. The six-month follow-up survey found that 27% of Veganuary participants who received email support were still eating a fully vegan diet, while 81% reported a significant and lasting reduction in animal product consumption. This suggests that a supportive community and gradual transition can dramatically improve retention rates, highlighting the importance of resources for new vegans. The Vegan Society also notes increasing membership and product certifications, indicating continued growth.

Key Factors Contributing to Vegan Recidivism

Several common threads appear in research and anecdotal reports explaining why individuals stop being vegan. These reasons often overlap and combine to make maintaining the diet challenging for some.

Health and Nutritional Concerns: This is a major motivator for both adopting and abandoning a vegan diet. Some ex-vegans report feeling unwell, experiencing low energy, or lacking confidence in meeting their nutritional needs for things like iron, vitamin B12, and protein. Misinformation or a lack of proper nutritional planning can lead to deficiencies. Cravings for animal products, often linked to nutritional deficiencies, can also contribute.
Social Challenges: Many former vegans cite social difficulties, feeling like they stand out from the crowd, or navigating relationships with non-vegan family and friends. Dining out or attending social gatherings can be a source of anxiety and frustration, especially if the available options are limited or perceived as unfulfilling. This feeling of isolation can erode motivation over time.
Inconvenience and Cost: Perceived inconvenience and cost are significant factors. While staple plant-based foods like beans and rice can be inexpensive, the wide range of specialty vegan products and premium restaurant options can increase costs. Furthermore, the time and effort required for meal planning, cooking, and label-reading can be a barrier for those with busy schedules.
Transition Methods: The Faunalytics study indicated that former vegetarians and vegans were more likely to have transitioned abruptly, rather than gradually. A sudden change can be harder to sustain than a slower, more deliberate adjustment.
Lack of Support: The absence of a strong community or support network can be a major hurdle. Many ex-vegans in the 2014 Faunalytics study were not actively involved in vegan groups or communities. Having a support system, whether online or in person, can provide valuable encouragement and resources.

A Comparison of Dietary Approaches

The differences between those who stick with a vegan diet and those who don't often extend beyond just diet and into overall approach. Here is a comparison of common traits:


Feature	Those Who Revert to Meat	Those Who Remain Vegan
Primary Motivation	Often single-factor, such as health only.	Multi-faceted, including health, animal welfare, and environment.
Transition Method	Tended to transition abruptly over days or weeks.	Often transitioned more gradually, taking more time to adapt.
Nutritional Knowledge	May lack comprehensive understanding of a balanced plant-based diet.	Typically more informed about nutritional planning and supplementation.
Social Support	Less likely to be part of an active vegan community or have support.	Actively seeks out and engages with vegan communities and support networks.
Identity & Lifestyle	Less likely to see veganism as part of their core identity.	More likely to embrace veganism as a significant part of their lifestyle.

Conclusion

While the widely circulated 84% figure can be misleading, research suggests that a significant number of individuals who attempt a plant-based diet do return to eating meat. The reasons are complex and multifaceted, often involving nutritional challenges, social isolation, practical inconveniences, and a lack of support. However, newer studies, particularly those involving supportive programs like Veganuary, paint a more optimistic picture of retention rates for those who are prepared and supported. A successful, long-term vegan journey is often marked by a well-planned diet, a strong support system, and a gradual transition that incorporates a deeper understanding of the lifestyle beyond just the food.

For those considering or already on a vegan journey, understanding the common pitfalls can be key to a successful transition. For more detailed research into vegan and vegetarian recidivism, a comprehensive report can be found on the Faunalytics website. By focusing on long-term health, building a community, and staying informed, aspiring vegans can greatly increase their chances of sticking with their commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The exact percentage is difficult to pinpoint due to varying study methodologies and definitions. The often-cited 84% figure from a 2014 Faunalytics study grouped vegetarians and vegans together and included short-term dieters. Newer, targeted data from programs like Veganuary suggest higher retention rates, especially for those receiving support.

Common reasons include perceived health problems or nutritional deficiencies, social difficulties (like feeling isolated), the inconvenience or cost of maintaining the diet, struggling with cravings, and not having a strong support system.

The 2014 Faunalytics study indicated that vegans were slightly less likely to abandon their diet than vegetarians, though both groups showed high recidivism rates in that specific study.

Research from the Faunalytics study suggests that a gradual transition, rather than an abrupt switch, can be beneficial for long-term adherence. Those who went plant-based quickly were more likely to abandon the diet.

Yes, studies have shown that a strong social support system, whether online or in-person, significantly increases the chances of someone sticking with a vegan diet. A lack of support and feeling socially isolated are common reasons for reverting.

While health is a significant factor for many, especially for those who revert, studies show that long-term vegans are more likely to be motivated by a combination of factors, including health, animal welfare, and environmental concerns.

Common nutritional issues reported by ex-vegans include concerns about protein intake, potential deficiencies in nutrients like Vitamin B12, and generally feeling less energetic or unwell if their diet was not well-planned.