Dietary Guidelines Leave Plant-Based Foods Underrepresented, Global Survey of Health Professionals Finds

From vegconomist.com

Image by B Y G on Unsplash

Most health and nutrition professionals consult their national dietary guidelines in daily practice, yet fewer than half find them useful for steering people toward healthier and more sustainable diets, according to research published in the peer-reviewed journal Current Developments in Nutrition.

“Dietary guidelines have enormous potential to shape healthier and more sustainable food systems”

The study, led by researchers at ProVeg International and the University of Göttingen, surveyed practitioners on the obstacles they face when applying food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs). While 80.5% of respondents reported using their national guidelines in practice, 57.6% rated them as only “somewhat” or “slightly” helpful for promoting healthy and sustainable food choices. More than 100 countries have published FBDGs, which together cover roughly 90% of the global population and feed into public health messaging, education, and food assistance programmes.

Pulses and plant milks named as missing

Asked where the recommendations fall short, respondents pointed to the under-representation of pulses (62.7%), plant-based milk alternatives (47.5%), and nuts and seeds (42.4%). Transparency around how guidelines are developed was rated important for their acceptance by 99.1% of those surveyed, and affordability surfaced as a further concern, with practitioners asking for clearer guidance on eating healthily on a limited budget.

“Dietary guidelines have enormous potential to shape healthier and more sustainable food systems, but they need to work in the real world. Our findings show that the professionals responsible for putting these recommendations into practice are calling for guidelines that better reflect plant-based foods, affordability, cultural diversity, and the realities of people’s everyday lives,” said Anna-Lena Klapp, Head of Research at ProVeg International and lead author.

Image: Tijana Drndarski on Unsplash

Retailers and caterers named alongside policymakers

Respondents also placed responsibility for dietary change beyond the individual consumer. Almost two in three (65.3%) backed measures such as tax relief or subsidies to bring down the cost of healthy and sustainable food, while identifying retailers, restaurants, caterers, and food manufacturers as parties able to make those choices easier at the point of purchase.

The results follow earlier work by Klapp analysing national guidelines across 100 countries, which found that most give little attention to plant-based sources of protein, calcium, and iron. National positions continue to diverge: the Dutch Health Council now recommends that 60% of dietary protein come from plant sources, while the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans omitted sustainability considerations altogether, drawing criticism from ProVeg and other health organisations.

Klapp added, “They also need supportive food environments to put these guidelines into action. If we want dietary guidelines to drive meaningful change, we need coordinated action across the food system to make healthy and sustainable choices easier for everyone.”

https://vegconomist.com/studies-numbers/dietary-guidelines-leave-plant-based-foods-underrepresented-global-survey-health-professionals-finds/ 

Plant-based now 33% cheaper than meat as soaring prices end its ‘luxury’ status

From veganfoodandliving.com

Got beef with food prices? New data shows it's now 33% cheaper to opt for plant-based meat in your Tesco shop

Plant-based food prices have widely been considered high, leading to the concept of the ‘vegan tax’, by which vegan products often appear subject to ‘price hikes’ compared to their non-vegan counterparts.

But now, that seems set to change as recent data has shown that plant-based meat prices have dropped below animal meat prices, and the gap is widening.

Recent fluctuations in global supply chains have put immense pressure on traditional livestock farming, leading to a noticeable spike in the cost of beef, lamb, and pork. Amidst this volatility, new research from the Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe has found that plant-based mince and meatballs at Tesco are now, on average, 33 per cent less expensive than their conventional counterparts.

                                                                                                        © Adriana/Adobe Stock

Are plant-based food prices dropping?

Sadly, the widening price gap isn’t due to discounted vegan products. Instead, it’s largely a result of soaring inflation within the meat sector.

According to the GFI Europe analysis, which tracked prices throughout the first quarter of 2026, plant-based mince is now 29 per cent cheaper than the animal-based equivalent. The difference is even more pronounced in the freezer and chilled aisles for meatballs, where meat-free versions are a staggering 41 per cent less expensive.

This shift comes at a time when traditional meat production is becoming increasingly costly. Data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board indicates that beef prices rose by over 10 per cent in late April compared to the previous year, with lean beef mince specifically jumping by nearly 23 per cent.

These hikes are attributed to a ‘perfect storm’ of environmental and geopolitical factors, including last year’s droughts, which stifled grass growth and forced farmers to rely on expensive, cereal-based feed.

Changing demand for plant-based options

While mince and meatballs are leading the charge for affordability, the GFI report noted that the trend hasn’t reached every corner of the supermarket just yet. Beef burgers, for instance, remain 9 per cent cheaper than plant-based patties. However, with chicken prices expected to climb further due to the rising costs of fertiliser and energy for heating sheds the overall outlook for meat-free affordability remains strong.

Linus Pardoe, senior UK programme manager at GFI Europe, suggested that the government should take note of these shifting market dynamics. In a statement, he noted:

“The Middle East crisis is beginning to stretch household budgets, with people searching for ways to keep the cost of food shopping down… As supply chains become increasingly volatile, the government should put plant-based options at the heart of its new food strategy.”

Tesco has already noted a 25 per cent increase in demand for plant-based mince over the last year, suggesting that for many Brits, the ‘meat-free’ label is increasingly becoming synonymous with ‘budget-friendly.’

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/plant-based-prices-cheaper-beef/ 

Global Veganism Data Has a Major Blind Spot, New Faunalytics Report Finds

From vegconomist.com

A sweeping new analysis of plant-based dietary trends has found that the vast majority of global veganism data is drawn from a narrow slice of the world’s population, raising questions about how reliably the industry can assess demand beyond Western markets.

The data gap nobody is talking about

Published yesterday, the Faunalytics report is the largest synthesis of vegetarian and vegan dietary data attempted to date, drawing on 837 nationally representative sources across 58 countries between 2015 and 2025. Its central finding is a structural one: 87% of nationally representative veganism data comes from Europe and North America, two regions that together account for roughly 16% of the global population. No comparable data exists for Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia, which together represent close to 40% of humanity.

That absence matters for anyone trying to size the global plant-based opportunity. Much of the industry’s market narrative, including assumptions about growth trajectories and consumer readiness, rests on a dataset that is geographically skewed by design.

Where growth is occurring, it is incremental. In Europe, where the data is most complete, veganism has grown at approximately 0.1% per year over the past decade.

© Faunalytics

What people say versus what they eat

The report also documents a consistent gap between self-identification and actual dietary behaviour. In North America, 3.24% of respondents claim to follow a vegetarian diet, while dietary intake data suggests only 0.75% genuinely abstain from meat. Similar disparities appear across other regions.

The report frames this not only as a measurement problem but as a potential lever for advocates and brands. “This gap isn’t just a data problem, it’s an opportunity,” it notes, adding that people who aspire to a plant-based identity but have not fully adopted the diet may be especially receptive to targeted support and messaging.

This identity-behaviour mismatch is a recurring challenge in plant-based market research, and one that has led to overstated demand estimates in past industry reports. Producers and investors relying on self-reported consumer surveys without cross-referencing intake data risk misreading actual market depth.

Image: Nathan Cowley on Pexels

A fragmented definitional landscape

A further complication is terminological. The report found dozens of distinct definitions for “vegetarian,” “vegan,” and “flexitarian” across the surveyed literature, making cross-regional and cross-temporal comparisons unreliable. Without standardized definitions, growth figures from one country or study cannot be meaningfully stacked against those from another.

Faunalytics calls on researchers to expand data collection in underrepresented regions, pair self-identification surveys with dietary intake measures, and apply greater definitional consistency. For advocates and industry participants, the report urges caution when citing vegan statistics and warns against treating European growth trends as globally representative.

https://vegconomist.com/studies-numbers/global-veganism-data-major-blind-spot-faunalytics-report-finds/ 

Vegan Statistics By Gender, Market Value And Trends (2025)

From sci-tech-today.com/stats

Introduction

Vegan Statistics: Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes all animal-derived products, including food and clothing, emphasizing a plant-based diet. Nutritionally, vegan diets are typically higher in dietary fibre, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals, while being lower in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B₁₂. For instance, vegans often consume approximately 21 grams of saturated fat daily, compared to 54 grams in omnivores. Additionally, vegans tend to have about double the dietary fibre intake compared to omnivores.

However, due to the exclusion of animal products, vegans may need to pay special attention to certain nutrients, such as vitamin B₁₂, which is not readily available in plant foods and often requires supplementation. Let’s understand these recent Vegan Statistics, which will shed light on the development in the market.

Editor’s Choice

• 80% of the leading meat producers are also producing vegan food items.
• According to the report Worldwide Growth of Veganism by The Vegan Society, in 2023, based on Google Trends, Germany became the leading country with the most searches related to veganism on Google, followed by Austria and the United Kingdom.
• Meticulous Research findings state that, as of 2023, 2.6 million European residents have adopted a vegan diet, which makes up 3.2% of the total European population.
• By 2027, the plant-based milk market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15%, reaching 14.9 billion. 
• The global vegan food market was valued at $24.58 billion in 2023 and is expected to be valued at $27.8 billion in 2028. 
• If the entire planet’s population shifts to a vegan diet, then within the next 25 years, the environment, personal health, and pollution will be greatly improved, and more than 8 million animal lives will be saved. 
• The plant-based protein market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% between 2023 and 2032, reaching $24.1 billion by the forecast period.
• As of today, more than 2,500 companies are selling 65,000+ certified vegan products, 18,000 of which are edible and 30,000 of which are usable.
• Between 2022 and 2023, animal welfare was the top reason given by respondents to a survey by Statista for participating in Veganuary.

General Vegan Statistics

• According to the report Worldwide Growth of Veganism by The Vegan Society, in 2023, based on Google Trends, Germany became the leading country with the most searches related to veganism on Google, followed by Austria and the United Kingdom.
• As of today, only 7.1% of vegans have around ten years of experience in shifting their lifestyle to veganism, while 2.7% reported having the same for 20 years.
• Meticulous Research findings state that, as of 2023, 2.6 million European residents have adopted a vegan diet, which makes up 3.2% of the total European population.
• As of today, more than 2,500 companies are selling 65,000+ certified vegan products, 18,000 of which are edible and 30,000 of which are usable.
• Vegan Statistics show that 80% of the leading meat producers are also producing vegan food items.
• Based on a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 billion land animals are unfortunately slaughtered for consumption every year. 
• Plant-based food sales have improved by 29% compared to the last two years.
• 92% of the vegan population can easily find vegan products during shopping trips. 
• 1 out of 12 black Americans is either vegan or vegetarian.

Vegan Statistics By Market Value

• Retail sales of vegan ice cream are expected to exceed $1 billion by 2024.
• According to Vegan Statistics, the vegan meat market is projected to be valued at $21 billion by 2026.
• The plant-based protein market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% between 2023 and 2032, reaching $24.1 billion by the forecast period.
• By 2029, the worldwide Vegan footwear market is expected to increase to $46 billion.
• By 2027, the plant-based milk market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15%, reaching 14.9 billion. 

Vegan Statistics By Health Benefits And Deficiencies

• A person following a vegan diet is likely to suffer from insufficient levels of vitamins B2, B3, B12, and D, along with selenium, calcium, and zinc
• Vegan Statistics show that a vegan diet aids in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
• If the entire planet’s population shifts to a vegan diet, then within the next 25 years, the environment, personal health, and pollution will be greatly improved, and more than 8 million animal lives will be saved. 
• Based on a report by the University of Oxford, global Veganism can reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by farming by 66%.
• Furthermore, if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, then governments can save $1.5 trillion in climate change mitigation projects.
• Vegan Statistics further show that a vegan lifestyle worldwide is likely to reduce overall agricultural land use by 76%.
• 
  
• Worldwide Vegan Food Market Value

(Reference: statista.com)

According to Vegan Statistics, in 2023, the global vegan food market was valued at $24.58 billion, which is expected to be valued currently at $27.8 billion. This has shown a significant increase in the demand for vegan food.

Eating Habits Of Americans By Gender

(Reference: statista.com)

Comparing the eating habits of American males and females, 46% and 53%, respectively, do not follow any diet. However, those people who follow some kind of diet are majority males. Considering the vegan diet, at least 5% of males and 2% of females in the USA are following it. 

Reasons To Take Part In Veganuary Worldwide

(Reference: statista.com)

Between 2022 and 2023, the top reason given by respondents to a survey by Statista for taking part in Veganuary was animal welfare. The second leading reason was personal health and environment, which collectively represented 79% in 2022 and 84% in 2023. 

Share Of Consumers Who Consume Meat Substitutes Regularly In The USA By Generation

(Reference: statista.com)

According to Vegan Statistics 2023, in the USA, 14% of people consume meat substitutes. The majority are millennials, representing 17% of the total. Gen Z and Gen X contribute to meat substitute consumption by 15% and 11%, respectively. In addition, 8% of baby boomers do the same.

Share Of Vegan Diet Consumers In Selected Countries

According to Vegan Statistics by Statista, the following are the number of vegan consumers residing in different countries.

Country	Share of vegan consumers
India	11%
Israel	6%
Switzerland	6%
Hong Kong	4%
United States	4%
Turkey	4%
Egpyt	4%
Singapore	4%
Saudi Arabia	4%
Pakistan	4%
China	4%
South Africa	3%
Germany	3%
France	3%
Austria	3%
Taiwan	3%
Philippines	3%
United Arab Emirates	3%
United Kingdom	3%
Vietnam	3%
Poland	3%
Indonesia	3%
Sweden	3%
Thailand	3%
Finland	2%
Spain	2%
Italy	2%
South Korea	2%
Mexico	2%
Canada	2%
Netherlands	2%
Brazil	2%
Australia	2%
Belgium	2%
New Zealand	2%
Argentina	2%
Chile	2%
Peru	2%
Denmark	2%
Kenya	2%
Ireland	2%
Greece	2%
Dominican Republic	2%
Malaysia	2%
Serbia	2%
Norway	2%
Nigeria	2%
Morocco	2%
Russia	1%
Colombia	1%
Japan	1%
Czechia	1%
Hungary	1%
Lithuania	1%
Portugal	1%
Romania	1%

(Source: statista.com)

List Of Celebrities Who Have Turned Vegan

Celebrities	Since when?
Moby	1987
Joaquin Phoenix	Since 3 years old
Billie Eilish	Since Childhood
Woody Harrelson	More than 30 years
Rainn Wilson	Around 2017
Evanna Lynch	2014
Stevie Wonder	2016
Elliot Page	2011
Lewis Hamilton	2017
Rooney Mara	2011
Ricky Gervais	Unknown
Pamela Anderson	More than 30 years
Alan Cumming	12 years
Sia Furler	2014
Peter Dinklage	2014
RZA	1997
Mayim Bialik	At the age of 19 years
Fearne Cotton	At the age of 11 years
Colin Kaepernick	Revealed in 2016
Sadie Sink	Unknown
Leona Lewis	2012
Lucy Watson	Unknown
Joan Jett	During 80s
Thandiwe Newton	Unknown
Tobey Maguire	2009
Bryan Adams	1989
Mýa	Since a younger age
Madelaine Petsch	Since birth
Alicia Silverstone	1998
Natalie Portman	2008
Daisy Ridley	Unknown
Emily Deschanel	At the age of 17 years
Kate Mara	Unknown
Ruby Rose	Unknown
Danielle Brooks	2017
James Cromwell	While filming Babe
Nathalie Emmanuel	Unknown
Kevin Smith	Unknown
Bimini Bon Boulash	Unknown
Rob Zombie	Unknown
Romesh Ranganathan	2013
Will.i.am	2018
Travis Barker	2008
Brian May	Unknown
Maggie Q	Unknown
Theo Rossi	At the age of 22
Christ Packham	Unknown
Casey Affleck	1995
Jenna Dewan	2013
Jessica Chastain	More than 15 years
Daryl Hannah	At the age of 11
Morrissey	2010
Jared Leto	Unknown
Oli Skyes	2013
Bella Ramsey	Unknown
Halle Bailey	Unknown
Jessie Cave	2016
Jon Stewart	2015
Sam Ryder	Unknown
Peter Egan	2016
Elaine Hendrix	2006
Aidan Gallagher	From a young age
Lizzo	2020
Jermaine Dupri	Unknown
Lee Mack	2016
Jennifer Coolidge	Unknown
Cillian Murphy	Unknown
Donna D’Errico	Unknown
Jon Richardson	Unknown

(Source: statista.com)

Leading Meat Substitute Brands In The USA By Brand Awareness

(Reference: statista.com)

Based on Vegan Statistics 2023, Morning Star Farms is the leading meat substitute brand in the USA, with more than 50% of its popularity. Other popular brands in a similar category are Beyond Meat, Impossible, Amy’s Kitchen, and Gardein.

Unveiling Veganism – A Compassionate Approach To Living

Veganism goes beyond just a dietary shift; it’s a philosophy and a way of life centred around minimizing the exploitation and cruelty inflicted on animals. This translates into abstaining from all animal products, not just in what you eat but also in clothing, cosmetics, and anything that might involve animal testing. It’s a conscious decision to live with compassion and respect for all living beings.

Unveiling The Health Benefits Of Veganism

While individual results may vary, a well-planned vegan diet offers a multitude of health advantages:

• Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: Vegan diets are typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, both significant contributors to heart health concerns. By eliminating animal products, you’re reducing your intake of these potentially harmful elements, lowering your risk of heart disease.
  
• Lower Blood Pressure: Studies suggest that vegans may have lower blood pressure levels compared to meat-eaters. This could be due to the reduced intake of saturated fat and sodium, which are known to elevate blood pressure.
  
• Weight Management: Vegan meals are often naturally rich in fibre and lower in calories. Fibre keeps you feeling fuller for longer, aiding in weight management by curbing cravings and reducing overall calorie intake.
  
• Improved Blood Sugar Control: Plant-based diets can be incredibly beneficial for managing blood sugar levels, especially for those with type 2 diabetes. This is because plant-based foods tend to have a lower glycaemic index, meaning they cause a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar compared to processed foods and animal products.
  
• Increased Fibre Intake: Fibre is crucial for healthy digestion and gut health. Vegans naturally tend to get more fibre due to their focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are all excellent sources of dietary fibre.
  

Important Note: Consulting a registered dietitian is highly recommended, especially when transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. This ensures you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs, particularly vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, which are more readily available in animal products. They can guide you on incorporating fortified foods and supplements to address any potential deficiencies.

Veganism And The Environment: A Glimmer Of Hope For The Future

The environmental impact of animal agriculture is undeniable. Livestock farming contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Here’s how a large-scale shift toward veganism could benefit the environment in the next decade:

• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Animal agriculture is a major contributor to methane and nitrous oxide emissions, both potent greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. A significant decline in meat consumption could significantly mitigate these emissions, helping to slow down global warming.
  
• Conserved Water Resources: Raising animals requires a substantial amount of water. Studies suggest that shifting to plant-based diets could significantly reduce overall water usage. Plant-based proteins generally require less water to produce compared to meat, leading to significant water conservation efforts.
  
• Preserved Biodiversity: Animal agriculture often leads to deforestation to create grazing land for livestock. This deforestation disrupts ecosystems and threatens endangered species. Widespread veganism could help protect rainforests and the diverse species that call them home.

However, it’s important to consider

Sustainable Practices: Even within a vegan framework, responsible sourcing of plant-based foods is crucial. Practices like monoculture farming, where large areas are dedicated to a single crop, can have environmental drawbacks such as soil depletion. Opting for organic and locally sourced produce whenever possible promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

Embracing A Plant-Powered Plate – A World Of Delicious Vegan Options

Going vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or variety. The world of vegan cuisine is vibrant and offers endless possibilities for delicious and healthy meals. Here’s a glimpse into the exciting world of plant-based food:

• Plant-Based Proteins: Lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, seitan, and various plant-based meat alternatives offer a wide range of protein sources to keep you feeling energized. These options can be incorporated into various dishes, from hearty stews to flavourful stir-fries.
  
• Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread, and other whole grains provide complex carbohydrates and fibre, keeping you feeling full for longer and providing sustained energy throughout the day.
  
• Fruits and Vegetables: The vibrant world of fruits and vegetables offers a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for overall health and well-being. Explore the vast array of seasonal produce to create colourful and flavourful meals.
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide essential fats that your body needs for proper functioning. These healthy fats also contribute to feelings of satiety and can enhance the taste of your meals.
  
• Plant-Based Milk: Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk offer delicious alternatives to dairy. These can be enjoyed in cereal, smoothies, coffee, or simply on their own.
  
• Vegan Cheese and Yogurt: The world of vegan cheese and yogurt is constantly evolving, offering a growing variety of plant-based options that are both delicious and nutritious. From creamy cheeses to tangy yogurts, there’s a vegan alternative to satisfy your cravings.

With a little creativity and exploration, you can find vegan versions of all your favourite dishes. Websites and cookbooks dedicated to vegan cuisine provide endless inspiration for creating mouth-watering meals that are kind to your body and the planet.

Dispelling Myths And Embracing The Truth About Veganism

There are many misconceptions surrounding veganism. Here are some common myths debunked and the truths revealed:

• Myth: Vegans don’t get enough protein.
  
• Truth: With proper planning, vegans can easily get enough protein from a variety of plant-based sources, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These options are often packed with protein and other essential nutrients.
  
• Myth: Vegan diets are bland.
  
• Truth: Vegan cuisine is vibrant and flavourful, with endless possibilities for creating delicious and exciting dishes. From innovative plant-based meat alternatives to colourful and creative vegetable dishes, vegan meals can be just as satisfying and flavourful as any traditional meal.
  
• Myth: Being vegan is too expensive.
  
• Truth: While some specialty vegan products can be pricey, a well-planned vegan diet can be quite affordable. Focusing on whole grains, beans, and seasonal fruits and vegetables can keep grocery costs reasonable. Additionally, many staple vegan ingredients are naturally budget-friendly.
  
• Myth: Being vegan is all or nothing.
• Truth: Every step towards reducing animal products helps. Consider “Meatless Mondays” or gradually incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. Even small changes can make a positive difference in your health and the environment.

Conclusion

As shown in these Vegan Statistics, veganism is a personal choice with far-reaching benefits. Whether motivated by animal welfare, environmental concerns, or personal health, a vegan lifestyle can be a positive and rewarding change for you and the planet. With a little planning and exploration, you can discover a world of delicious vegan options and embrace a compassionate and sustainable way of living.

https://www.sci-tech-today.com/stats/vegan-statistics-upgrade/