The Global Rise of Veganism
At a time when ethical eating, environmental awareness, and wellness-social combos are reshaping diets worldwide, veganism is steadily gaining ground. The World Population Review recently ranked countries by their percentage of vegans and here’s the top countries:
1. India & Mexico – Leading the pack at 9% each.
- India tops the chart with 9% of its population identifying as vegan with another 29.5% identifying as vegetarian! India is rooted in centuries-old vegetarian traditions, which is incredible to see how strongly this lifestyle is to this day.
- Mexico ties for the top spot at 9%, driven by health trends, environmental awareness, and rising vegan influencer culture in cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. We also see an incredible 19% of vegetarians here which again is an incredible number.
That’s nearly 1 in 11 people choosing veganism, a strong signal of shifting dietary values in two culturally distinct nations.
2. Israel & Canada – Surprising Majority Players
- Israel: Though it didn’t make the top two, it still has an incredible 5% vegan, and 13% vegetarian.
- Canada: About 4.6% of Canadians follow a vegan lifestyle (including us!) a number steadily rising alongside plant-based food and many vegan events. With 7.6% being vegetarian. We are a growing nation of plant-based lovers!
3. Europe: Populations
European countries present a moderate yet meaningful vegan presence:
- Germany: With 2% vegan, and 10% vegetarian, there is a growing number here too.
- Austria: Vegan population hung around 2%, and vegetarian with 11%!
- + Many more countries with a growing population.
4. UK & US:
- United Kingdom: Vegan representation hovers around 2% and seems to be growing, thanks to initiatives like Veganuary. While we also see the vegetarian rate is 11%, proving that plant based lifestyle is growing.
- United States: Estimated at 1.5% , with vegetarian coming in at 4.2%, while this does seem quite low, there is a growing population.
Reasons People Go Vegan:
Health, animal welfare, sustainability, and sometimes a sense of community or shared identity are top motivators.
In the U.S., they have even started to bring out vegan dating apps, which shows how deeply values link with lifestyle.
The rise of veganism isn't monolithic, it's a tapestry woven from cultural traditions, environmental urgencies, health trends, and activist drive. From India’s vegan heritage to iterative growth in Europe and North America, it’s clear: plant-based living is no longer fringe.
Will veganism crack the 10% global threshold in the near future? That depends on consumer behavior, policy support, and the next wave of food innovation. But one thing’s certain: the movement is gaining momentum, and its story is still unfolding, country by country.
Make sure to check out the source here:
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/veganism-by-country
