According to a new survey that displays record numbers of people that are avoiding food originated from animals, the number of vegans in Britain has increased by more than 360 per cent over the past decade.
Around 542,000 people aged 15 or over, over one per cent of the population, have implemented a plant-based diet. According to the Vegan Society, the survey demonstrates that veganism is now one of Britain’s fastest growing lifestyle programs.
The apparent health benefits of a vegan diet appear to be driving the movement. Promoters of plant-based diets 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.”
In addition to this health benefits, environmental and welfare concerns are also contributing to the growing numbers of people turning away from food derived from animals.
Jasmijn de Boo, Chief Executive Officer of The Vegan Society said: “To have over half a million vegans in Britain is fantastic. 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 seem to be having an influence, with the survey showing that young people in particular are giving these plant-based diets a go.
Keith Coomber, founder of Vegan Life magazine has said: “It is no longer an extreme lifestyle, its easy and accessible. You can walk into any supermarket and be confronted by a huge range of dairy-free milks and other vegan-friendly products.”
“As consumers become more savvy about the reality of the farming industry, and the health implications of meat and dairy products, this boom will only continue.”
According to the poll, approximately half of all vegans are aged 15-34 (42 per cent), in comparison with 14 per cent aged over 65. A huge majority of vegans live in urban areas (88 per cent), with nearly a quarter (22 per cent) in London. The poll also displays that there are now 1.14 million vegetarians aged 15 and over in Britain.
