Vegans

Number of vegans in Britain rises by 360% in 10 years

Some 542,000 people aged 15 or over – more than one per cent of the population – have adopted a plant-based diet, up from 150,000 in 2006. According to the Vegan Society, the survey proves that veganism is now one of Britain’s “fastest growing lifestyle movements”.

The perceived health benefits of a vegan diet are thought to be driving the trend. Advocates of plant-based eating say vegans typically have lower levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, a lower body mass index, and reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer. Environmental and welfare issues are also contributing to the swelling numbers turning away from food sourced from animals.

Specifically in Britain? 

Surveying almost 10,000 people across England, Scotland, and Wales, the findings showed that at least 542,000 people in Britain are following a veganism, which is an increase of over 350 percent in the last decade. The fuddy-duddy image of the animal-free diet also seems to be over, with 42 percent of all vegans found to be aged between 15 and 34, compared to just 14 percent who are over 65.