When Did Paul Go Vegan? Tracing McCartney's Dietary Evolution

December 16, 2025 •

2 min read

In 1975, while eating a lamb dinner at his farm, Paul McCartney and his wife Linda had a pivotal realization that led them to become vegetarians. While the common misconception is that he went straight to veganism, the shift towards a more plant-based lifestyle was gradual.

Quick Summary

Examining Paul McCartney's dietary changes, from becoming vegetarian in 1975 to his later move towards veganism, influenced by animal welfare and environmental concerns.

Key Points

Vegetarianism Began in 1975: Paul and his wife, Linda, became vegetarians in 1975 after witnessing lambs on their farm while eating a lamb dinner.
Linda's Driving Force: Linda McCartney was a key figure, founding a vegetarian food brand in 1991 and writing cookbooks that influenced many.
Later Shift Towards Veganism: While remaining primarily vegetarian for decades, Paul gradually moved toward a more strictly vegan lifestyle, especially for his public campaigns.
Ethical and Environmental Motivations: His shift is driven by both ethical considerations regarding animal welfare and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Active Animal Rights Advocacy: Paul has narrated PETA documentaries and uses his platform to promote vegan food options and animal welfare.
Meat Free Monday Campaign: In 2009, with his daughters, he co-founded the Meat Free Monday initiative, encouraging people to reduce their meat consumption.

Paul's Path to Vegetarianism

Paul McCartney's journey towards a plant-based diet began in 1975. While at his farm in Scotland, he and his first wife, Linda, were eating a lamb dinner and saw lambs playing outside. This experience prompted them to stop eating meat immediately, marking the beginning of their commitment to vegetarianism and animal rights.

The Influence of Linda McCartney

Linda McCartney was a significant influence on Paul's dietary change and a vocal advocate for vegetarianism. She created her own line of vegetarian foods in 1991, making plant-based options more widely available. Her family, including Paul and their daughters Mary and Stella, have continued her work in promoting vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.

The Shift from Vegetarianism to Veganism

While Paul became vegetarian in 1975, his move towards veganism was a more gradual process. For years, the McCartneys consumed dairy and eggs. Over time, Paul has publicly embraced a more vegan lifestyle, advocating for vegan options at his events and through various campaigns. His shift is driven by increased awareness of ethical concerns in the dairy and egg industries and acknowledging the environmental benefits of reducing all animal product consumption. Initiatives like Meat Free Monday, which he co-founded in 2009, encourage reducing meat intake and exploring plant-based alternatives.

The Public Evolution of His Stance

Paul McCartney has become a prominent animal rights advocate, using his platform to promote compassionate living. He narrated the PETA documentary Glass Walls in 2011, highlighting issues in the meat industry. He has been quoted as saying, "If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian," reflecting his strong beliefs. More recently, he has ensured vegan food options are available at his concerts.

Comparison: Paul's Diet Evolution


Feature	Before 1975	1975 to Post-Linda's Death (1998)	Modern Era (Post-1998)
Diet Type	Omnivorous	Vegetarian	Primarily Vegan/Plant-Based
Main Motivator	Not a conscious decision	Ethical reasons (seeing lambs)	Ethics and environmental impact
Key Food Groups	All food groups	No meat (e.g., beef, lamb, fish)	No meat, minimal to no dairy/eggs
Activism Focus	None	Public vegetarian advocacy	Broader animal rights & environmental activism
Key Campaigns	N/A	Linda McCartney Foods	Meat Free Monday, PETA work

A Legacy of Compassion

Paul McCartney's dietary evolution reflects a growing commitment to animal welfare and conscious living. His initial decision to become vegetarian, influenced by Linda, developed into a broader advocacy for plant-based lifestyles. Through initiatives like Meat Free Monday and Linda McCartney Foods, the family's dedication continues to inspire many to consider the impact of their food choices.

Ongoing Impact

Paul continues to be an active voice for animal rights, promoting plant-based options at his events and using his influence to raise awareness. The McCartney family's dedication has significantly impacted the vegetarian and vegan movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paul McCartney first became vegetarian in 1975 alongside his late wife, Linda McCartney. His move towards veganism was a more gradual process over the decades that followed.

Paul and Linda McCartney were inspired to stop eating meat in 1975 after a profound moment on their farm in Scotland. They saw lambs playing outside while they were eating a lamb dinner, which made them realize the connection between the animal and the meal.

While Paul McCartney identifies primarily as vegetarian and has done so since 1975, his public advocacy and diet have shifted heavily towards veganism over time. He actively promotes vegan options and animal rights.

Linda McCartney was a photographer and Paul's first wife who was a dedicated animal rights activist and vegetarian pioneer. She was the initial impetus for Paul's dietary change and later founded a popular line of vegetarian food products.

The Meat Free Monday campaign was co-founded by Paul McCartney and his daughters in 2009. The initiative encourages people to give up meat for at least one day a week to help the environment and improve their health.

No, Paul's animal rights advocacy began in 1975, coinciding with his and Linda's decision to become vegetarian. He became a prominent voice on the issue, using his fame to promote animal welfare and conscious eating.

Yes, in recent years, Paul McCartney has used his tour to promote vegan and plant-based food options. In 2024, he notably featured vegan menus at his concerts, reinforcing his plant-based message.