Which religion's followers are mostly vegetarian?

December 20, 2025 •

5 min read

While India has the highest percentage of vegetarians in the world, the practice is most strictly mandated by Jainism. Many faiths incorporate or encourage vegetarianism, but the degree to which followers adhere to a plant-based diet varies greatly based on denomination, cultural traditions, and personal interpretation of religious texts. This exploration will reveal which religion's followers are mostly vegetarian.

Quick Summary

Several religions encourage vegetarianism, with Jainism mandating it for all followers based on its core principle of non-violence. Hinduism, Buddhism, and certain Christian denominations also have notable vegetarian traditions.

Key Points

Jainism is the most strictly vegetarian religion: Adherence to a plant-based diet is mandatory for all followers, based on the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence.
Jain dietary rules are rigorous: Beyond abstaining from meat, Jains also avoid root vegetables (onions, garlic, potatoes) to protect microorganisms in the soil, and they do not consume honey.
Many Hindus are vegetarian: Approximately 44% of Hindus are vegetarian, motivated by ahimsa and the concept of karma, though observance varies by region, sect, and caste.
Buddhism has varying practices: Vegetarianism is common in some Mahayana schools (East Asia), particularly for monks. In contrast, Theravada and Tibetan traditions often permit meat consumption, reflecting regional and cultural differences.
Seventh-day Adventists promote plant-based diets: A Christian denomination that strongly encourages vegetarianism for health and biblical reasons, with many followers adopting a plant-based or lacto-ovo-vegetarian lifestyle.
Sikhism accommodates vegetarianism: While not mandatory, the Sikh communal kitchen (Langar) is strictly vegetarian to accommodate all faiths. Certain devout sects are also strictly vegetarian.
Motivations for religious vegetarianism are diverse: Common reasons across faiths include non-violence, minimizing negative karma, enhancing spiritual purity, and promoting better health.
Dietary choices reflect core religious values: Adherence to a plant-based diet in these religions is a direct expression of fundamental principles like compassion and respect for life.

Jainism: The Religion with the Strictest Vegetarian Mandate

Jainism is the religion whose followers are mostly vegetarian, and for whom the practice is mandatory. The cornerstone of Jainism is ahimsa, or non-violence toward all living creatures, and this principle extends to their diet in the most rigorous manner. Jains believe that every living being possesses a soul and therefore every action that causes harm, even unintentionally, creates negative karma. To minimize this harm, the Jain diet is lacto-vegetarian, with some followers adhering to a completely vegan diet.

Jain dietary restrictions go far beyond simply abstaining from meat. To minimize harm to tiny organisms (sūkṣma jīva) and avoid killing the whole plant, Jains also forbid the consumption of root vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, and garlic. They even abstain from honey, as its collection is believed to harm bees. Many Jains practice chovihar, or eating before sunset, to avoid inadvertently consuming insects attracted to light. Their scrupulous attention to diet is a defining feature of their identity and an indispensable condition for spiritual liberation.

Why Jainism requires total vegetarianism

Ahimsa (Non-Violence): This core principle governs every aspect of a Jain's life, with the diet being the most explicit expression.
Karma Prevention: Killing or injuring any living being, even unintentionally, accumulates harmful karma that obstructs spiritual progress.
Sentience of All Life: Jains believe all living things, from five-sensed beings like humans to one-sensed beings like plants and microorganisms, possess a soul.
Uprooting Plants: Avoiding root vegetables prevents the death of the entire plant and any microorganisms living in the soil.
Purity of Food: Their stringent rules regarding food storage and fermentation also help avoid the killing of microorganisms.

Vegetarianism in Other Dharmic Religions

In addition to Jainism, other religions originating in the Indian subcontinent also have strong vegetarian traditions, though adherence varies more widely.

Hinduism: The concept of ahimsa is a central ethical value in Hinduism, and vegetarianism is considered an ideal path, especially for spiritual advancement. A 2021 Pew Research Center survey found that 44% of Hindus identify as vegetarian, and many more restrict meat consumption. Many devout Hindus, particularly those in Vaishnava traditions and certain castes, follow a strict lacto-vegetarian diet and avoid pungent foods like onions and garlic. However, a significant portion of Hindus consume meat, with regional and caste variations influencing dietary choices.
Buddhism: Vegetarianism in Buddhism is also rooted in compassion, but views differ across traditions. In Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in East Asia (China, Vietnam, Taiwan), monastic communities and many lay followers are strictly vegetarian. Some Mahayana sutras explicitly condemn meat-eating, linking it to the extinction of compassion. In contrast, Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist traditions often permit meat consumption, especially when it is given as alms, as long as the animal was not killed specifically for the recipient.
Sikhism: Sikhism emphasizes compassion but does not mandate vegetarianism. The Sikh scriptures indicate a preference for a simple diet, and the communal kitchen (Langar) serves a mandatory vegetarian meal to accommodate all dietary restrictions. While meat is not forbidden for most Sikhs, the consumption of ritually slaughtered (halal or kutha) meat is. Certain sects, like the Akhand Kirtani Jatha, are strictly vegetarian.

The Role of Vegetarianism in Other Faiths

Some Western and other religions also feature vegetarian traditions or groups who promote plant-based diets, though it is not a defining characteristic for the faith as a whole.

Seventh-day Adventists (Christianity): A Christian denomination known for its strong emphasis on health and wellness, with many members adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. Based on their interpretation of Genesis 1:29, they believe a plant-based diet was God’s original design for humanity. Some still consume certain "clean" meats in moderation, but many Adventists are strictly vegetarian.
Rastafari (Abrahamic): Many Rastafarians follow an "I-tal" diet, which forbids processed foods and often includes vegetarianism. Some interpret the diet to completely prohibit meat, while most abstain from pork.
Baha’i Faith (Other): The Baha’i writings state a preference for a vegetarian diet, though it is not mandated. The ultimate ideal for a future society is a diet of fruits and grains, and members are encouraged to be respectful of others’ beliefs.

Comparative View of Religious Vegetarianism


Feature	Jainism	Hinduism	Mahayana Buddhism	Seventh-day Adventism
Adherence	Mandatory for all.	Varies widely by sect, caste, and region.	Common, especially for monks in East Asia.	Encouraged, but not mandatory.
Primary Motivation	Ahimsa (non-violence) and karma reduction.	Ahimsa, spiritual purity, and karma.	Compassion for sentient beings.	Health, biblical interpretation, and spiritual purity.
Dietary Restrictions	Strict lacto-vegetarian or vegan. Avoids root vegetables, honey, and sometimes overnight food.	Typically lacto-vegetarian for adherents. Some avoid onions and garlic.	Varies; some abstain completely, often including pungent vegetables.	Typically lacto-ovo-vegetarian, though many are vegan. Avoids unclean meats, alcohol, and caffeine.
Flexibility	Highly strict; little to no flexibility.	High degree of variation and personal choice.	Varies by school; more flexible for Theravada and laypeople.	High degree of personal choice, with some guidelines for meat-eaters.
Influence on Cuisine	Developed distinct Jain cuisines, influencing Indian food.	A major force in Indian vegetarian cuisine.	Distinct culinary traditions like shōjin ryōri (Japan) and Chinese Buddhist cuisine.	Promotes a diet rich in whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and produce.

Conclusion

While vegetarianism is a practice found across many faiths, Jainism stands out as the religion whose followers are mostly vegetarian, and for whom the practice is a strict and universal mandate. Their commitment to ahimsa drives an incredibly rigorous dietary regimen designed to minimize harm to all forms of life. Other Dharmic religions, notably Hinduism and Buddhism, also hold vegetarianism in high regard, though the level of adherence is more varied and often influenced by regional customs, sects, and individual choice. In Western faiths, such as Seventh-day Adventism, vegetarianism is a strongly encouraged health practice based on biblical interpretation and promoted for its spiritual and wellness benefits.

Ultimately, while the religious motivations for vegetarianism differ, they commonly stem from principles of compassion, non-violence, and a deep respect for life. Adherence, however, can span a wide spectrum, from strict lifelong commitments to occasional or sect-specific practices. The global landscape of religious dietary habits showcases a rich diversity rooted in shared values of empathy and mindfulness toward all living beings.

International Vegetarian Union - Religion and Vegetarianism

Note: While some religions do not officially mandate vegetarianism, they have traditions or influential sects that strongly encourage the practice for spiritual or ethical reasons. The comparison table and article content aim to provide a nuanced view of these varying levels of observance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jainism has the highest percentage of vegetarian followers, as the practice is a strict and mandatory part of their religion, rooted in the principle of non-violence.

Jains follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet to adhere to ahimsa (non-violence), minimizing harm to all living beings. This includes avoiding root vegetables to protect microorganisms and consuming only what is necessary to survive without causing unnecessary injury.

No, not all Hindus are vegetarian. While many Hindus, especially those in certain traditions like Vaishnavism, follow a lacto-vegetarian diet, the practice is not universal and is influenced by region, caste, and personal interpretation.

No, vegetarianism is not a requirement for all Buddhists. The practice varies by school and geography. Many Mahayana Buddhists and some monks are vegetarian, but Theravada and Tibetan traditions often permit meat consumption under certain conditions.

Seventh-day Adventists promote a plant-based diet based on biblical interpretations, believing it was God's original intent for humanity. They also emphasize the significant health benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.

The primary reason is often the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion toward all living creatures. For many, it's also tied to reducing negative karma and achieving spiritual purity or enlightenment.

While not mainstream mandates, vegetarianism is present in some Abrahamic traditions. Certain Jewish, Christian (like Seventh-day Adventists), and Muslim sects or individuals adopt plant-based diets for various ethical, health, or spiritual reasons.