Company Spotlight

Consumer Insights
Uncover trends and behaviors shaping consumer choices today
Procurement Insights
Optimize your sourcing strategy with key market data
Industry Stats
Stay ahead with the latest trends and market analysis.
Discover the numerous health benefits of adopting a plant-based diet. From improving heart health to boosting energy levels and aiding weight management, plant-based eating offers a wide range of advantages.
As of 2024, the global vegan population is estimated to be around 79 million, with significant numbers in countries like India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. As per industry reports, India is leading the world in veganism as about 9% of the Indian population (roughly 125 million individuals) follows a vegan diet. The India vegan food market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% in the forecast period of 2025-2034. The UK has experienced a remarkable rise in veganism, with about 3.7% of the adult population (around 2.5 million people) identifying as vegan as of 2024. This marks an increase from just 2.59% in 2019. Similarly, around 4.6% of Canadians are now vegan (approximately 850,000 individuals).
Figure 1: Percentage of Vegans by Country (2024)
These figures indicate that the popularity of plant-based diets has surged in recent years, driven by increasing awareness of health, environmental, and ethical issues, and myriad benefits of adopting a plant-based diet. Let’s explore these benefits:
Research consistently shows that plant-based diets can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For instance, a large-scale study involving over 200,000 participants found that individuals following a healthy plant-based diet (rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts) had a 32% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those consuming more animal products. The American Heart Association highlights that diet high in fruits and vegetables can effectively lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels; a meta-analysis showed that increasing fruit and vegetable intake led to significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.5 mm Hg. Additionally, research indicates that individuals adhering to a healthful plant-based diet had an 18% lower risk of developing breast cancer and aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) supports these findings, noting that reducing red and processed meat intake can decrease cancer risk, having classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen linked to colorectal cancer. Furthermore, individuals following a whole-foods plant-based diet have a 34% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those consuming unhealthy diets high in processed foods and sugars, with systematic reviews indicating a 20% reduction in diabetes risk among those adhering to healthful plant-based dietary patterns. Lastly, emerging studies suggest that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a 20% reduction in the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia, which highlights the protective effects of antioxidants and phytochemicals found in plant foods.
Livestock farming is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. A report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights that shifting towards more plant-based diets could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% by 2050. This shift not only helps combat climate change but also promotes biodiversity by reducing habitat destruction.
As per a report by Expert Market Research, the global plant based food and beverage market value reached approximately USD 23.96 billion in 2024. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 54.23 billion by 2034.
Plant-based diets require significantly fewer natural resources compared to meat-heavy diets. For instance, producing one kilogram of beef requires about 15,415 litres of water, while growing vegetables typically requires far less, around 322 liters per kilogram for vegetables and about 962 liters for fruits. This stark contrast highlights the inefficiency of meat production in terms of water usage. In fact, the average water footprint for beef is nearly 20 times larger than that of cereals and starchy roots, making plant-based foods a more sustainable choice for consumers.
Moreover, it takes about 1.5 acres of land to produce just one pound of beef, while the same amount of land can yield 20 times more calories if used for plant crops like grains or legumes. Furthermore, in the United States, agriculture accounts for approximately 80% of all freshwater consumption, with livestock farming being a major contributor to this figure. Thus, by opting for plant-based diets, individuals can significantly reduce their personal water footprints and contribute to a more sustainable food system. A couple switching from beef to chicken could save around 450,000 liters of water over a year, illustrating how dietary choices can have a profound impact on resource conservation.
Many people choose vegetarianism to avoid contributing to the suffering of animals raised for food. For instance, factory farming practices confine billions of animals in cramped conditions where they cannot express natural behaviours, leading to immense suffering. According to the World Animal Protection, over 70% of the 80 billion land animals farmed globally each year are raised in cruel factory farming systems, which often involve tail docking and beak trimming to manage stress and aggression caused by overcrowding.
Furthermore, reports indicate that in Europe, over 100 million rabbits are kept in bare wire cages with less space than a sheet of typing paper. Additionally, cows in mega-dairies are often kept indoors permanently, bred for high milk production, and slaughtered at a fraction of their natural lifespan, an average of just 4-5 years.
Moreover, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that livestock farming accounts for approximately 14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. The destruction of habitats for animal agriculture has led to a 68% decline in wildlife populations over the past 50 years. As The growing awareness of these practices and issues has led many consumers to reconsider their dietary choices.
As more people become aware of the ethical implications of their food choices, restaurants and food manufacturers are also responding by offering more plant-based options. For example, major fast-food chains like Burger King and McDonald's have introduced plant-based burgers to their menus, such as the Impossible Whopper and the McPlant, respectively. Many Michelin-starred establishments are also offering fully plant-based menus.
The trend is further evident in the increasing availability of vegan products in supermarkets worldwide. In the UK alone, the Vegan Society reports that there are over 50,000 vegan products available across various supermarket chains, including Alpro brand, known for its range of plant milks and yoghurts, and Quorn, which produces a variety of meat alternatives. Additionally, companies such as Tofurky and Beyond Meat have gained significant traction, with Beyond Meat's products being sold in over 35,000 retail locations across the United States.
Furthermore, research indicates that nearly 60% of consumers are actively trying to reduce their meat consumption or adopt a flexitarian diet. This shift has prompted retailers to expand their offerings. Grocery chains like Aldi have launched their own lines of vegan products, such as the Earth Grown brand, which includes items like vegan burgers and chicken less patties.
The benefits of plant-based diets extend well beyond personal health. With the growing vegan population in different areas and increasing evidence showcasing the advantages of these diets, there are compelling reasons for individuals to consider making this lifestyle change.
Latest Updates on Thriving Economically in a World of Constant Innovation
To place an order through our website, select the license type mentioned on the report details page. Click on the ‘Buy Now’ button and fill in your details. Select your preferred mode of payment after which you will be redirected to the selected payment gateway. Follow the steps and proceed to checkout.
www.expertmarketresearch.comEnlisting all your requirements and queries along with details that include billing and delivery address and the preferred payment mode. Our customer service representative will revert to you within 24 hours.
[email protected]To place an order through telephone, call our sales team on the following numbers and our customer service representative will help you regarding the same.
+61 291 889 415Australia
63 Fiona Drive, Tamworth, NSW
+61-448-061-727
India
C130 Sector 2 Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
+91-858-608-1494
Philippines
40th Floor, PBCom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor V.A Rufino St. Makati City,1226.
+63-287-899-028, +63-967-048-3306
United Kingdom
6 Gardner Place, Becketts Close, Feltham TW14 0BX, Greater London
+44-753-713-2163
United States
30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801
+1-415-325-5166
Vietnam
193/26/4 St.no.6, Ward Binh Hung Hoa, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
+84-865-399-124
United States (Head Office)
30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801
+1-415-325-5166
Australia
63 Fiona Drive, Tamworth, NSW
+61-448-061-727
India
C130 Sector 2 Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
+91-858-608-1494
Philippines
40th Floor, PBCom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor V.A Rufino St. Makati City, 1226.
+63-287-899-028, +63-967-048-3306
United Kingdom
6 Gardner Place, Becketts Close, Feltham TW14 0BX, Greater London
+44-753-713-2163
Vietnam
193/26/4 St.no.6, Ward Binh Hung Hoa, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
+84-865-399-124