The Challenge of Defining and Quantifying Veganism in China
Determining an accurate percentage for the vegan population in China is complicated due to several factors, including linguistic differences, cultural interpretations, and varying survey methods. Unlike in many Western countries, the distinction between vegan and vegetarian is not always clearly defined in colloquial Chinese usage. The term for vegetarian, sù shí (素食), can often be used to describe any meatless dish, even if it contains hidden animal products like broth or is cooked in animal fat. Furthermore, historically, a plant-based diet was associated with specific religious practices rather than a broader ethical lifestyle, which influences modern perceptions. This ambiguity means that statistics from different reports can differ significantly based on how they framed their questions and what their respondents understood the terms to mean. Therefore, analyzing multiple data points is essential for a complete picture.
Varying Survey Results and Data Discrepancies
Recent surveys and market analyses highlight the variance in reported numbers for the vegan population in China. For instance, a May 2025 Statista report, which surveyed dietary habits, found that 2.12% of Chinese respondents identified as vegan. This figure is considerably higher than the 0.9% reported by a Kantar poll for ProVeg International in June 2024, which surveyed 1,000 consumers in major cities. Older estimates, such as those mentioned in a 2024 China-Britain Business Council report referring to 2013-era data, suggest a combined vegetarian/vegan population of 4-5%, or 56 to 70 million people, but do not separate the vegan figure. These discrepancies showcase the difficulty in getting a precise number, emphasizing the importance of understanding the methodology behind each study.
Historical and Cultural Context of Plant-Based Diets
China has a long and rich history of plant-based eating, largely influenced by Buddhism, which entered China approximately 2,000 years ago. The Buddhist principle of non-harm has historically promoted vegetarianism among followers, and many Buddhist temples run strictly vegan restaurants. This tradition also led to the development of sophisticated mock meat recipes using ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and wheat protein. While this vegetarianism, or sù shí, often excludes eggs and dairy, it is not always equivalent to the modern Western concept of veganism. For centuries, plant-based foods have been intertwined with Chinese culinary culture, creating a historical foundation that informs modern dietary habits.
Modern Drivers for the Rise of Veganism
Despite a deeply ingrained culture of eating meat, modern trends are driving an increase in plant-based eating, especially among younger, urban consumers.
- Health and Wellness: A major motivator is growing health consciousness. Consumers are seeking diets that are perceived as healthier and cleaner, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey by the China Vegan Society found that 36% of plant-based consumers chose their diet for health reasons.
- Environmental Concerns: With increasing awareness of climate change and pollution, the environmental impact of industrial animal agriculture has become a consideration for some consumers. In 2016, the Chinese government even announced a plan to reduce national meat consumption by 50%.
- Food Technology and Innovation: The rise of new plant-based meat substitutes and products from both domestic companies (like Zhenmeat) and international brands (like Beyond Meat and Oatly) makes a vegan lifestyle more accessible and appealing.
The Rise of Flexitarianism
While the strict vegan percentage remains low, the number of flexitarians—people actively reducing their meat intake—is substantial and growing. A ProVeg International poll showed nearly a third (32%) of Chinese people identify as flexitarians. This reflects a broader shift towards plant-centric diets without the full commitment to strict veganism. Many are open to trying plant-based alternatives, with one report finding that 86.7% of non-vegans surveyed had tried plant-based meat products.
Vegan vs. Vegetarian Statistics in China: A Comparison
To illustrate the differences in data, here is a comparison of findings from recent surveys concerning plant-based dietary habits in China.
| Characteristic | Statista Survey (May 2025) | ProVeg International / Kantar Survey (June 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | 2.12% | 0.9% |
| Vegetarian | 14.23% | 1.5% |
| Flexitarian | 8.15% | 32% |
| Survey Focus | General Dietary Habits | Plant-Based Food Consumption |
| Key Insight | Significant variation in how and why people identify with a dietary label, highlighting definitional challenges. |
Navigating the Vegan Lifestyle in China
For those who are strictly vegan, challenges can still arise, especially outside of major metropolitan areas. Social pressure during shared meals and a lack of specific labeling on products can complicate food choices. However, increased consumer demand is driving positive changes. The China Vegan Society introduced the China Vegan Food Certification (CVFC) in 2023 to standardize labeling and build consumer trust in vegan products. Furthermore, initiatives like the V-March campaign, inspired by Veganuary, are actively working to build community and awareness. This progress, coupled with a growing plant-based market, suggests the vegan community will continue to expand.
Conclusion: A Growing but Complex Market
While a definitive answer to what percentage of Chinese are vegan is elusive due to varying survey methodologies and cultural nuances, available data suggests the proportion is relatively small, likely between 1% and 3%. However, focusing solely on the strict vegan figure overlooks the much larger and rapidly expanding plant-based landscape. A significant portion of the population identifies as flexitarian or is actively reducing their meat consumption, driven by increasing health and environmental awareness. The centuries-old cultural acceptance of plant-based foods, coupled with modern innovation and targeted campaigns, positions China's plant-based market for continued growth and evolution.
For more information on the growing plant-based movement in China, explore this insightful interview with the team behind V-March: V-March Interview: Meet the Team Behind the Campaign That Helps ....
