The Latest Data on US Veganism
The most commonly cited figure for the percentage of vegans in the United States comes from public opinion polls, with recent data showing a relatively small but significant minority. A Gallup survey conducted in July 2023 revealed that only 1% of Americans identified as vegan. This represents a notable dip from previous Gallup polls, which found higher figures of 3% in 2018 and 2% in 2012.
This trend suggests that while veganism may have gained mainstream visibility, the number of individuals fully committing to the lifestyle, at least in a self-identified capacity, has seen a recent downturn. This is a crucial distinction, as the market for plant-based foods continues to grow, often fueled by individuals who are not strictly vegan but are interested in reducing their meat consumption.
Why Do the Numbers Fluctuate?
The variation in reported percentages across different surveys and time periods can be attributed to several factors:
- Survey Methodology: Different polling organizations use different sampling methods, wording, and definitions. A survey that asks "Do you consider yourself vegan?" may yield different results than one that asks about specific dietary habits.
- The Definition of Veganism: As explained by some sources, there is a difference between a strict adherent to the vegan philosophy—which includes avoiding leather, wool, and other animal products—and someone who simply follows a plant-based diet. Polls that only focus on diet may capture a broader audience.
- Media Coverage and Trends: The visibility and perceived "trendiness" of veganism can influence self-identification. Earlier, higher percentages may have been influenced by a more widespread cultural conversation around veganism, which might not reflect long-term commitment.
How Demographics Influence Vegan Identity
The Gallup poll from 2023 provided interesting insights into how vegan identification varies across different demographic groups. This breakdown helps illustrate that the experience and prevalence of veganism are not uniform across the US population.
- Income: Lower-income individuals were three times as likely to identify as vegan compared to middle- and upper-income consumers. This challenges the perception that veganism is exclusively an expensive lifestyle, suggesting it may be a more accessible or necessary choice for some populations.
- Gender: The survey found that more men (2%) identified as vegan than women (1%), a reversal of traditional stereotypes. However, women were still more likely to identify as vegetarian.
- Race and Ethnicity: People of color were more likely to be meat-free than non-Hispanic white consumers. Specifically, 2% identified as vegan compared to 1% of white consumers.
- Political Affiliation: Political liberals were significantly more likely to be vegetarian than moderates or conservatives. While the poll didn't specify the political breakdown for vegans, this pattern suggests political alignment can correlate with dietary choices.
Veganism vs. Plant-Based: A Key Distinction
It is essential to differentiate between a vegan and someone who follows a plant-based diet. While vegans adhere to a plant-based diet, not all plant-based eaters are vegan.
Reasons for a plant-based diet:
- Health improvements: Many adopt a plant-based diet for perceived health benefits, such as weight management, heart health, and disease prevention.
- Environmental concerns: Eating less meat is a way for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Animal welfare: Some people choose to eat less meat for ethical reasons but do not extend the philosophy to other products like leather or honey.
This distinction is crucial when interpreting market data. The growth of the plant-based food industry does not necessarily mean a rise in the number of strict vegans. In fact, research indicates that the majority of people who buy plant-based alternatives are neither vegan nor vegetarian.
A Comparison of Vegan and Vegetarian Polls
| Poll/Source | Year | Self-Identified Vegans (%) | Self-Identified Vegetarians (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallup Poll | 2023 | 1% | 4% | Marks a recent low for both figures in recent polls. |
| Gallup Poll | 2018 | 3% | 5% | Represents a peak in self-identified veganism in recent years. |
| Gallup Poll | 2012 | 2% | 5% | Reflects previous data points that have fluctuated. |
| Faunalytics | ~2020 | ~0.5% | N/A | Found lower rates for actual adherence versus self-identification. |
Conclusion: What the Numbers Tell Us
The question of what percentage of US citizens are vegan has no single, simple answer. The latest comprehensive polling indicates the self-reported number is around 1%, a decrease from prior years. However, this figure is highly dependent on the poll's methodology and the respondent's personal definition of veganism. Furthermore, while the number of self-identified vegans might be small and currently declining, the broader trend of plant-based eating is growing, driven by a much larger group of flexitarians and individuals with varying motivations for reducing their meat consumption. The dynamic nature of dietary habits, influenced by demographics, ethics, health concerns, and environmental factors, makes this a continually evolving statistic.
For additional context on global vegan trends, The Vegan Society offers valuable insights and statistics.
Key takeaways:
- The percentage of US citizens who identify as vegan is currently low, with a 2023 Gallup poll showing only 1%.
- This figure has seen a decline from higher percentages reported in 2012 and 2018.
- The distinction between a strict vegan and a person following a plant-based diet is important for interpreting statistics accurately.
- Demographic factors such as income, gender, race, and political affiliation show varying rates of vegan identification.
- The market for plant-based foods is growing, but this trend is driven largely by non-vegans and flexitarians.
