According to a survey conducted by Ipsos MORI for the Vegan Society and Vegan Life magazine, the number of vegans in Britain has risen by more than 360 per cent over the past decade. 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.
The poll of almost 10,000 people is the largest ever aimed at quantifying the number of vegans in Britain.
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.
“To have over half a million vegans in Britain is fantastic,” said Jasmijn de Boo, chief executive officer of The Vegan Society. “More people than ever are now acting upon the health and environmental benefits of veganism, and finding out what really goes on in the meat and dairy industries and deciding they do not want to contribute to the pain and suffering of animals.”
Celebrity vegans like Ellie Goulding, Jennifer Lopez and Liam Hemsworth also appear to be having an influence, with the survey showing that young people in particular are giving plant-based diets a go. Close to half of all vegans are aged 15–34 (42 per cent), according to the poll, compared to 14 per cent aged over 65. The vast majority of vegans live in urban areas (88 per cent), with almost a quarter (22 per cent) in London. The poll also shows there are now 1.14 million vegetarians aged 15 and over in Britain.
Veganism was once seen as an extreme, restrictive eating regime, but attitudes are changing. Many supermarkets now stock own-brand vegan products, and increasing numbers of high street restaurants and cafes now offer vegan options.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
