Which Demographic Has the Most Vegans?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 survey in the UK, younger adults aged 18-34 are twice as likely as older generations to be vegan or plant-based. This trend highlights a significant shift, prompting a deeper look into the question: which demographic has the most vegans? The answer is nuanced, involving factors like age, gender, geography, and cultural context.

Quick Summary

Studies reveal that younger people, particularly women, are adopting vegan lifestyles at higher rates globally. While developed countries like Israel and the UK show high percentages, India has the highest absolute number of vegans due to its large population and cultural history. Racial diversity is also increasing, with Black Americans being a fast-growing vegan demographic in the US.

Key Points

Age and Gender: Younger adults, particularly those in the 18-34 age range, and women are the most common adopters of veganism.
Fastest Growing Demographic in the US: Black Americans represent the fastest-growing vegan demographic in the United States.
Country with Most Vegans (Absolute): Due to its massive population and cultural ties to vegetarianism, India has the highest total number of vegans.
Country with Highest Percentage of Vegans: Israel is often cited for having one of the highest per capita rates of veganism in the world.
Primary Motivations: Animal welfare remains the top reason for becoming vegan for most, followed by health and environmental concerns.
Income and Veganism: Contrary to stereotype, a 2023 Gallup poll found that in the US, lower-income households were more likely to be vegan than higher-income ones.

Global and National Trends in Vegan Demographics

While pinpointing a single demographic with the most vegans is complex due to various factors and survey inconsistencies, clear trends emerge across different populations. Data from the UK and Saudi Arabia indicates a strong pattern of veganism being more prevalent among younger adults and women. In the UK, a 2023 YouGov poll found that 6% of those aged 30-39 follow a vegan diet, a higher percentage than any older age group. Similarly, a 2022 Saudi Arabian study showed that nearly 80% of surveyed vegans were female. This contrasts with older generations, where adherence to veganism is notably lower.

Generational and Gender Shifts

The push towards veganism is heavily driven by younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, who are more engaged with issues like climate change and animal welfare. The influence of social media and greater access to information also contributes to this adoption. Women consistently outnumber men in adopting vegan or vegetarian diets across many studies. A US survey indicated that as many as three-quarters of vegans were female, though sources for such high figures vary. A 2022 YouGov UK poll found a more moderate split, with 61% of polled vegans being women. This shift is attributed to various cultural and psychological factors, including a greater interest in health improvement and societal perceptions.

International Perspectives on Veganism

Globally, the picture is quite diverse. Israel frequently appears in the conversation for having one of the highest per capita rates of veganism, with estimates ranging from 5% to 8% of its population. India, with its vast population and strong cultural ties to vegetarianism, is a vegan superpower in terms of absolute numbers. Statista reported in 2021 that 9% of the Indian population identified as vegan, a significant share that translates to tens of millions of people. Countries in Europe, like Germany and the Netherlands, also show steady increases in plant-based eating.

The Rise of Black Veganism in the United States

In the US, one of the most notable and fastest-growing vegan demographics is Black Americans. Historically, veganism was often inaccurately associated with a thin, affluent White population, but this perception is changing. Black Americans are nearly three times more likely to be vegan than the general population. This movement is often rooted in reclaiming health and wellness, given the disproportionate impact of diet-related diseases on Black communities.

Motivations Behind Veganism

People adopt a vegan lifestyle for a variety of reasons, with different motivations gaining prominence in different demographics. A 2019 Vomad study found animal welfare to be the primary motivator for 68.1% of vegans surveyed globally, followed by health at 17.4% and the environment at 9.7%. However, motivations can shift by age; a 2023 survey noted that 52% of Gen Z vegans prioritized health benefits.

Comparison of Key Vegan Demographics


Demographic Characteristic	Key Trends and Statistics	Examples and Observations
Gender	Consistently, women are more likely to be vegan than men.	UK YouGov 2022: 61% of vegans identified as women. US 2021: Three-quarters of vegans identified as female.
Age	Younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) have higher vegan rates than older ones.	UK YouGov 2023: Highest vegan percentage was among 30-39 year olds (6%). US: Most vegans are between 18 and 34.
Race/Ethnicity	Black Americans are the fastest-growing vegan demographic in the US.	Black Americans are almost three times more likely to be vegan than the general US population.
Country (By Percentage)	Israel and India frequently cited for having high proportions of vegans.	Israel: Estimates range from 5-8%. India: Statista reported 9% vegan in 2021.
Country (By Absolute Number)	India has the highest number of dietary vegans due to its massive population.	With a population of 1.4 billion, even a small percentage translates to millions of vegans.
Motivation	Animal welfare is a dominant factor, but health and environment are also important.	Vomad Study 2019: 68.1% for animal ethics, 17.4% for health, 9.7% for environment.

Conclusion

While global vegan statistics can be inconsistent due to varied survey methods, the overarching demographic trends are clear. Women and younger adults consistently show higher rates of veganism and are the primary drivers of its growth. The vegan population is also becoming more racially and culturally diverse, with a notable rise in Black veganism in the US driven by health and wellness concerns. Globally, India stands out for its high number of vegans, supported by a strong cultural history of plant-based eating. The motivations for adopting a vegan lifestyle are multifaceted, encompassing animal welfare, health, and environmental concerns. As vegan options become more accessible and mainstream, the demographic landscape of veganism will continue to evolve, reflecting broader shifts in societal values and awareness.

The Vegan Society UK

For more in-depth data and research on the worldwide growth of veganism, the Vegan Society is a valuable resource.

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, no single demographic holds a majority of the world's vegans, but data consistently points to younger generations and women being the most prominent adopters of the vegan lifestyle. A diverse range of motivations, including ethics, health, and environmental concerns, fuel this growing movement globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

In terms of the absolute number of vegans, India has the highest population of vegans in the world. This is primarily due to its large overall population and deep-rooted cultural and religious practices favoring vegetarianism and plant-based diets.

Israel is frequently identified as having the highest percentage of vegans relative to its population size, with estimates ranging from five to eight percent.

Most studies suggest that women are more likely to be vegan than men. For example, a 2022 YouGov poll in the UK indicated that 61% of vegans identified as women. Similar trends are seen in the US and elsewhere.

Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are more likely to be vegan than older generations like Gen X and Baby Boomers. Surveys in the UK and US show higher vegan percentages among the 18-34 age bracket.

Yes, veganism is a growing trend. Plant-based food sales are increasing globally, and studies consistently show a rise in people reducing their meat intake and adopting plant-based diets for various reasons, including health, ethics, and environmental concerns.

In the United States, Black Americans are the fastest-growing demographic adopting vegan and plant-based diets, often motivated by health and wellness awareness.

Motivations for adopting a vegan diet vary but commonly include animal welfare ethics, health benefits, and environmental sustainability. A 2019 survey found animal ethics to be the primary motivator for most vegans, while health reasons were also significant.