Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The best countries for vegans have been revealed – and the winner might surprise you

From  veganfoodandliving.com

New research has uncovered the best countries for vegans as plant-based living is outperforming climate change in global interest


Forget the outdated notion that plant-based travel means settling for a plate of chips and a side salad. A landmark global report released by The Vegan Society has revealed the best countries for vegans, effectively mapping the future of compassionate living.

The comprehensive Veganism Around the World report suggests that whether you are looking for a bustling night market in East Asia or a chic bistro in Europe, options are exploding globally. In fact, if you are looking to dodge a steak-heavy menu, you might find paradise in some unexpected corners of the globe. The data reveals a significant cultural shift is well underway, with “veganism” now consistently outperforming “climate change” in global search interest.

Global leaders in plant-based dining

When it comes to the sheer ease of finding a meal, New Zealand has taken the crown as the most vegan-friendly destination per capita, with approximately 345 vegan-friendly dining options per million people.

Not far behind in the innovation stakes is Taiwan, which leads the world for the highest density of fully vegan restaurants, with 14.8 dedicated vegan spots per million residents. Meanwhile, Iceland has emerged as Europe’s star performer; despite its rugged reputation, a staggering 43% of its restaurants now offer at least one plant-based dish.

Best countries for vegans: Report highlights

The Vegan Society’s data highlights where plant-based lifestyles are most established and where dining accessibility is highest. From high rates of dietary identification to the density of dedicated eateries, these are the countries are leading the way in compassionate consumption.

India holds the top spot for highest rate of veganism. Graphic © The Vegan Society

India holds the top spot for highest rate of veganism. Graphic © The Vegan Society


Top 10 for vegan dining options (per million people):

  • New Zealand (344.81)
  • Australia (309.89)
  • United Kingdom (302.93)
  • Cyprus (281.72)
  • Austria (280.10)
  • Switzerland (275.94)
  • Portugal (259.28)
  • Ireland (228.22)
  • The Netherlands (218.85)
  • Greece (218.12)

Top 10 for dedicated vegan restaurants (per million people):

  • Taiwan (14.8)
  • Portugal (13.7)
  • Singapore (11.8)
  • Jamaica (11.3)
  • Estonia (8.8)
  • Austria (8.3)
  • Puerto Rico (8.1)
  • Vietnam (7.9)
  • The Netherlands (7.7)
  • Canada (7.3)

The USA holds the top spot for the most dedicated vegan restaurants, with 1,717 eateries. However, when looking at vegan restaurants per million people, it ranks much lower at number 29.

In terms of vegan dining options, the USA also holds the top spot, with a staggering 47,845 restaurants offering at least one plant-based dish. The UK is in second place, with over 20,000 vegan options.

When travelling to some countries, it's easy to get vegan meals on the ground and in the air. Photo © Travelanza/Adobe Stock

Innovation and the future of food

It isn’t just about where you can eat today, but who is building the food systems of tomorrow. Per capita, Singapore is currently the world’s leader for plant-based and fermentation innovation, followed closely by Israel and the Netherlands. These hubs are attracting ‘alternative protein’ companies at a record rate, blending high-tech engineering with a supportive business environment.

Leading hubs for alternative protein companies (per million people):

  • Singapore: 7.44
  • Israel: 6.66
  • The Netherlands: 5.03
  • Denmark: 4.20

Interestingly, consumer appetite for these innovations is strongest in Asia. Additionally, consumers in India and China are reportedly twice as likely as those in the US to purchase plant-based meat.

Claire Ogley, Head of Campaigns, Policy and Research at The Vegan Society, noted that the report is the “first comprehensive investigation” of its kind. She stated that the data shows veganism is “no longer a niche movement” but is gaining significant cross-cultural traction.

“It’s also promising to see that despite stereotypes, people’s feelings towards veganism are mostly neutral, and actually lean positive in many cases,” she added.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/best-countries-for-vegans-revealed/

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