Veganism Statistics UK: Key Statistics, Growth Projections, and Consumer Insights

The UK vegan food market is valued at approximately £2.8 billion as of 2023, with the meat-free segment accounting for £622 million and dairy alternatives reaching £450 million. The market is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11-12% through 2030.

Our figures are based on analysis from five different market research reports. As the figures across the five reports are all quite similar, we are reasonably confident in our estimate of the market size and growth rates. A detailed description of our analysis methods is provided below.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The size of the vegan population in the UK. is significant, and it’s growing fast. According to the latest data, approximately 3-5% of the UK adult populationidentifies as vegan in 2023, This marks a noticeable rise compared to the 1% (540,000) of people in the UK who followed vegan diets in 2016

Growth Trend: The UK vegan population has been growing at an annual rate ranging from 9.58% (Vegconomist) to 17.70% (Mordor Intelligence), reflecting increasing awareness and demand for plant-based alternatives.

Projections by 2030: By 2030, the vegan population is expected to surpass 5-6 million people (7-10% of the UK population), indicating continuous upward trends as plant-based lifestyles become more popular and accessible.

This rise reflects a deeper cultural shift, where more Americans are reconsidering the ethical and environmental impact of their food choices.

Vegan Food Statistics in the UK 

The UK’s vegan food sector continues to grow, driven by increasing demand for meat-free and dairy-free alternatives. The current market is valued at £1.5 billion and shows no signs of slowing down.

• Growth trend: The market is expanding by 11% annually and is exprected to reach about at £2.8 billion by 2030

The UK’s Meat-Free Market

The UK’s meat-free market is thriving as more consumers shift toward plant-based diets or reduce their meat consumption.

• The meat substitute market is valued at £623 million in 2023, with growth projected to reach £524 million by 2024 (Mintel).
• Popular products include plant-based burgers, sausages, and chicken alternatives. Brands like Quorn and Beyond Meat have seen substantial success, offering healthy and sustainable options.
• Flexitarianism, the practice of eating mostly plant-based but occasionally consuming meat, is a key driver of this market’s growth.

Dairy Alternatives

Dairy alternatives are gaining significant traction, appealing to consumers looking for sustainable, lactose-free options.

• The dairy alternatives market is valued at £450 million in 2023, with products like almond, oat, soy, and coconut milk driving growth 
• Oat milk has emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories, outpacing traditional dairy milk in some sectors.
• Dairy-free cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams are also expanding in popularity, providing versatile options for consumers with dietary restrictions or ethical concerns.

Distribution Channels

1. Online Sales:
   1. E-commerce platforms have played a pivotal role in expanding access to vegan products. Consumers appreciate the variety and convenience of purchasing vegan goods online.
   2. Retailers like Ocado have dedicated vegan sections, offering a wide selection of plant-based products not always available in physical stores.
2. On-Site Sales:
   1. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose have significantly increased their vegan offerings.
   2. Tesco, for instance, introduced over 100 new vegan products in 2023 to meet growing demand.
   3. Supermarkets are seeing double-digit growth in sales of plant-based products, further confirming the rising popularity of vegan food.

UK Vegan Restaurant Industry Statistics and Trends

Vegan Takeaway Orders Skyrocket

The growth in veganism is mirrored by the rise of vegan restaurants and takeaway services.

• There are 19,774 vegan restaurants across the UK, according to HappyCow. These restaurants cater to both strict vegans and flexitarians seeking healthier, plant-based options.
• Vegan takeaway orders have surged, with plant-based food becoming a staple on many delivery platforms, indicating the increasing popularity of vegan cuisine among British consumers.

Consumer Insights

Health as a Primary Driver

Health is a major motivator for many adopting a vegan diet. The potential health benefits of a plant-based diet, including improved heart health, weight management, and lower cholesterol levels, are compelling reasons for this dietary shift.

Environmental and Ethical Concerns

Environmental Impact: Growing awareness of the environmental toll of meat and dairy production, particularly in terms of carbon emissions and deforestation, has encouraged more consumers to embrace veganism.

Ethical Concerns: Concerns about animal welfare and factory farming also play a significant role in the decision to adopt a vegan diet, as more people choose cruelty-free alternatives.

Growth of Flexitarianism

While strict veganism is on the rise, the growth of flexitarianism—where individuals follow a primarily plant-based diet but occasionally consume animal products—has made vegan options more widely available. Flexitarians significantly contribute to the growing demand for vegan products in the UK market.

Variables Influencing Veganism’s Growth

Regional and Geographic Distribution

Urban vs. Rural: Veganism is more prevalent in urban areas, with cities such as London, Manchester, and Brighton being vegan hotspots. In contrast, rural areas lag behind in adoption but are beginning to see growth thanks to improved access to plant-based products through online retail.

Socioeconomic Factors

• Income Levels: Veganism is generally more popular among higher-income groups, who can afford premium plant-based alternatives. However, the rising affordability of vegan products is slowly making the lifestyle accessible to a broader range of socioeconomic groups.
• Food Deserts: Access to fresh vegan food remains a challenge in some areas, particularly in food deserts—regions where fresh, healthy food options are limited. This issue is more pronounced in low-income communities, where affordability can also be a barrier.

Challenges and Criticisms of Veganism

Despite its rapid growth, veganism is not without its challenges:

• Nutritional Concerns: Critics argue that vegan diets can lack key nutrients such as B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, requiring careful planning and supplementation to ensure a balanced diet.
• Cost Barriers: Some plant-based products, particularly meat and dairy alternatives, remain more expensive than their animal-based counterparts, limiting their accessibility for lower-income individuals.

Conclusion

The vegan movement in the UK is growing steadily, with significant market expansion expected over the next decade. Health, environmental, and ethical considerations are driving this change, while flexitarianism is helping to make vegan options more mainstream. Despite challenges, such as cost and nutrient availability, the future of veganism in the UK looks promising, as consumers increasingly shift towards plant-based diets.

References and Data Sources

To gain a complete understanding of the global vegan market in UK, we’ve analyzed data from different market research reports. Our top picks are below.

Veganism in UK	Statista	Vegconomist	Mintel	Credence research	Mordor Inteligence	Overall
Market Size (how many vegans)	3-4% of Adult population	3-5% of Adult population	N/A	N/A	N/A	3-5% of Adult Population
Growth Trend	10.42%	9.58%	N/A	6.80%	17.70%	11.13%
Marker Size Forecast 2030	£2.8 billion	£2.8 billion	£1.9 billion	£2.2 billion	£4.38 billion	£2.80 billion
Vegan Food Market Size	£1.5 billion	£1.5 billion		£1.2 billion	£1.4 billion	£1.5 billion
Meat substitute market (2023)	£623 million	N/A	£524 million	£622 million	N/A	£622 million
Dairy Alternatives Market Size	£450 million	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	£450 million
Vegan Restaurants in UK						19,774 as per HappyCow

Understanding the market’s direction can be challenging based on these estimates. However, we are reasonably confident in our projections. We encourage you to critically assess the data and consider various perspectives to form your own insights into the future of the vegan market in UK.