Understanding the Vegan Landscape in Portugal
Historically, Portugal's culinary identity is deeply rooted in Mediterranean traditions heavily featuring meat and fish, especially codfish (bacalhau). This provides a strong cultural counterweight to the emerging plant-based movement. However, recent decades have seen a slow but steady shift in dietary habits, driven by increasing awareness of health, environmental, and ethical issues. Analyzing statistics over time is crucial for understanding the current status of veganism in the country.
Early Growth and Key Figures
A 2017 survey by Nielsen for Centro Vegetariano was an early comprehensive look at plant-based diets in Portugal. It revealed a significant increase in vegetarianism and estimated that 0.6% of the population, or about 60,000 people, followed a strict vegan diet at the time. The study also highlighted that the movement was particularly strong among women and young people aged 25-34.
Post-Pandemic Fluctuations and Broader Trends
More recent data suggests fluctuations in the plant-based movement. A 2024 report by Lantern indicated a slight dip in the total number of combined veggie consumers (vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians) in the preceding two years. This was attributed to a post-pandemic "rebound effect" and economic factors like price sensitivity influencing decisions on plant-based purchases.
Flexitarianism: The Leading Driver of Change
While strict veganism is a small percentage, flexitarianism is a more significant trend. This diet is primarily plant-based with occasional meat or fish. The 2024 Lantern report showed that 8.6% of the Portuguese population identifies as flexitarian, a much larger segment than vegans and vegetarians combined. Flexitarians are often motivated by health benefits, whereas vegans and vegetarians are typically driven by ethical reasons. For more details on the market influence and a comparison of plant-based adoption in European countries, refer to {Link: vegconomist.com https://vegconomist.com/region/europe/portugal/}.
Growth in Market and Government Initiatives
Despite recent fluctuations, the plant-based market in Portugal is maturing with increasing support. Supermarkets like Continente have expanded their vegan product ranges. Major fast-food chains have introduced vegan options. Institutional support is also growing. For further reading on the cultural factors influencing veganism, consider exploring the research findings published by Ciência-UCP.
Navigating Veganism in Portugal
Being vegan in Portugal is becoming easier, especially in urban areas. Dedicated vegan restaurants and cafés are growing in cities like Lisbon and Porto, offering diverse menus. Options are available across different price points. Finding plant-based products in supermarkets is also easier now, with various alternatives available. While smaller towns may have more traditional menus, many chefs are becoming more accommodating.
Conclusion
While the specific percentage of Portugal that is vegan is small and may fluctuate, the broader plant-based movement is established. Flexitarianism is the dominant trend, representing a significant portion of the population. Strict vegans are often motivated by ethical and environmental concerns, while flexitarians prioritize health. With growing market availability and institutional support, the plant-based landscape in Portugal is evolving, suggesting continued growth in influence even if the strict vegan percentage remains relatively low.
