Research Finds That Almost Half the UK Plant-Based Population is Male

From vegconomist.com 

Research carried out by plant-based chef duo BOSH! has found that almost half the UK plant-based population (49%) is male.

Based on a survey of 2,400 people, the results are somewhat surprising, since women have historically been more likely to choose a meat-free diet. Research published by the Vegan Society last year found that men face social pressure to conform to masculine expectations, including eating meat. Many men said that fears of experiencing stigma had prevented them from choosing a vegan diet.

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Furthermore, a recent study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that gender differences in meat consumption are more significant in countries with higher levels of gender equality and social and economic development. The researchers theorised that people in these countries have more opportunities to express their food preferences, meaning that men tend to eat more meat and women eat less.

Last year, a survey by the Vegan Society indicated that just 37% of vegans in the UK are male; however, the organisation also found that 41% of UK men were interested in a vegan diet. It is possible that some men eat a predominantly plant-based diet but do not consider themselves vegan, accounting for some of the discrepancies between studies. Differences in sample selection methods could also play a role.

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Londoners go plant-based

The BOSH! research also finds that London has the highest rates of adoption for plant-based diets. 15% of respondents in the capital say they have embraced a plant-based diet, along with 14% in the Southeast of England and 11% in the Northwest. However, adoption rates are low in Northern Ireland (2%), the Northeast of England (4%), and Wales (5%).

Almost half (49%) of plant-based eaters said they are predominantly motivated by health concerns. Plant-based versions of traditional dishes such as full English breakfasts were found to account for over half of meat-free dishes, while pizza accounted for a third.

“It’s really encouraging to learn that a significant proportion of men are interested in going vegan, but we are aware there is still work to be done, not only to support the general public in adopting a healthy vegan lifestyle, but particularly men who are exposed to the pressures of traditional masculinity,” said Hannah Montgomery, campaigns manager at The Vegan Society, last year.

https://vegconomist.com/studies-and-numbers/research-almost-half-uk-plant-based-population-male/