What Percentage of the UK is Vegan in 2025?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research published in January 2025, approximately 6.4% of UK adults either followed or planned to follow a vegan diet in 2025, representing an estimated 3.4 million people. This figure highlights the strong and continued growth in the number of people embracing veganism in the UK.

Quick Summary

This article examines various reports and survey data from 2025 to determine the percentage of the UK population that is vegan. It explores different figures, generational trends, and key drivers behind the increasing adoption of plant-based diets.

Key Points

Percentage Discrepancy: The precise percentage of the UK population that is vegan in 2025 varies between 1.5% and 4.7% depending on the data source and survey methodology used.
Growth in Intentions: A significant portion of the UK adult population shows an active interest in veganism, with some estimates indicating that up to 6.4% either identify as vegan or plan to become vegan in 2025.
Generational Divide: Young adults, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are much more likely to embrace vegan or meat-free diets compared to older generations.
Multiple Motivations: Ethical concerns for animal welfare, personal health, and environmental sustainability are the primary reasons cited for adopting a vegan diet.
Market Expansion: The UK maintains Europe's largest meat-free market, with steady growth in vegan product launches and plant-based options in supermarkets and restaurants.
Veganuary's Impact: Campaigns like Veganuary continue to drive interest, with a high percentage of participants making permanent dietary changes.
Barriers to Adoption: Factors such as cost, taste, and a perception of highly processed foods prevent some from fully committing to a vegan diet.

Official Figures and Varying Surveys

Determining an exact figure for the vegan population in the UK for 2025 is complex, as different reputable surveys produce slightly varied results due to methodology, timing, and population sampling. Findings from market research and animal welfare groups indicate figures ranging from 1.5% to 4.7% of UK adults identifying as currently vegan. Some surveys also capture those planning to adopt a vegan diet, bringing the total with current or intended vegan diets closer to 6.4% or 3.4 million adults. These variations depend on whether the survey includes those planning to transition.

Generational Divide and Motivating Factors

The shift toward plant-based diets is more pronounced in younger generations, influenced by ethical, environmental, and health considerations. In 2025, a higher percentage of Generation Z and Millennials planned to follow a meat-free diet compared to older generations. Key drivers for going vegan include animal welfare (51%), health (49%), and environmental concerns (31%), alongside other factors.

The Veganuary Effect

The Veganuary campaign significantly impacts the adoption of veganism. In early 2025, 25.8 million people worldwide reportedly participated, with 81% of UK participants planning permanent dietary changes. This suggests a strong likelihood of participants continuing with plant-based eating beyond January.

The Expanding UK Vegan Market

Consumer demand continues to fuel the rapid growth of the UK's vegan market. The UK holds the largest meat-free market in Europe, with significant forecasted growth in the plant-based alternative market by 2025. Over 1,480 new vegan food products and menu items launched for Veganuary 2025, with more options readily available in supermarkets and restaurants. Despite this growth, challenges such as taste concerns, processing levels, and cost remain barriers for some.

Comparison of Vegan Demographics in the UK


Demographic	Finder.com (Dec 2024 Survey)	JVS (Sept 2025 Report)	YouGov (UK-based Surveys)	Notes
Currently Vegan	2.05% of UK adults	4.7% of UK adults (2.5 million)	2-3% of Britons	Figures vary based on survey scope and definition.
Intending to Go Vegan in 2025	4.30% of UK adults	N/A	N/A	Captures the growing interest and transition phase.
Total Vegan (Incl. Intentions)	6.4% of UK adults	N/A	N/A	Reflects total interest and market potential for 2025.
Gen Z (Plans to be Meat-Free)	50% in 2025	>50% expected by 2025	N/A	Demonstrates the strong generational shift towards meat-free diets.
Millennials (Plans to be Meat-Free)	36% in 2025	N/A	N/A	Shows continued higher interest in younger demographics.

Conclusion: A Growing Plant-Based Landscape

While the specific percentage of the UK population that is vegan in 2025 varies depending on the survey and whether it includes intentions, the overall trend is a clear and consistent upward trajectory. Estimates for those currently vegan range from 1.5% to 4.7%, with a larger proportion (up to 6.4% of adults) planning to adopt the diet in 2025. This growth is significantly influenced by younger generations and driven by ethical, environmental, and health factors. Despite some remaining barriers, the expanding UK vegan market and successful campaigns like Veganuary indicate a permanent and growing presence for plant-based eating. For more resources, consult {Link: The Vegan Society https://www.vegansociety.com/}. An additional 14.6% of the population intended to adopt a meat-free diet (likely flexitarian) in 2025. Increased product accessibility, positive media, and campaigns are contributing factors to the rise in veganism.

Additional Statistics on UK Dietary Trends

Regional data shows the highest proportion of the meat-free population in London and the lowest in the South West.
The vegan leather market was projected to surpass the animal leather market by 2025.
Consumption of plant-based milk has significantly increased.
Interest in veganism extends beyond food, with many UK adults checking if toiletries are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Figures vary slightly depending on the source. As of late 2024 and early 2025, estimates range from approximately 2.5 million (4.7% of adults) based on JVS reports, to lower percentages (1.5-3%) reported by sources like the Vegan Society using other survey data.

In addition to vegans, a significant portion of the UK population is vegetarian or pescatarian. Combined, surveys in early 2025 showed that 27% of Brits were already meat-free or planned to adopt a meat-free diet.

Yes, all recent data indicates that the number of people adopting or intending to adopt a vegan or plant-based diet in the UK is continuing to grow, particularly among younger demographics.

Younger generations, specifically Generation Z and Millennials, are significantly more likely to follow or plan to adopt a vegan or meat-free diet compared to older generations like Baby Boomers.

The primary reasons cited by UK vegans include animal welfare, personal health benefits, and environmental concerns.

Yes, data from Veganuary's 2025 participant survey shows that a high percentage of non-vegan participants plan to make significant permanent dietary changes after the challenge, with many staying fully vegan or reducing their meat intake.

While it's difficult to get a global ranking due to different data years, the UK is generally considered to have a large and growing vegan population relative to many other Western countries, and its meat-free market is the largest in Europe.

Common barriers include concerns about the taste of plant-based alternatives, worries about processed ingredients, and the perceived high cost of some vegan products.

Yes, the UK vegan food and drink market continues to see impressive growth, with increasing product availability in supermarkets and a higher number of vegan-friendly options in restaurants.