Nils-Gerrit Wunsch
Research expert covering foods trends in North America, Europe, and the global food system
Get in touch with us nowShare of vegetarians worldwide in 2024, by select country
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India has the highest share of vegetarians in the country compared to other select countries in 2024, according to the Statista Consumer Insight survey. Over a third of Indian respondents reported following a vegetarian diet, compared to only eight percent in the United Kingdom.
Meat substitutes market in Europe
The United Kingdom and Germany hold second and third place respectively for the highest share of vegetarians in the country. Both countries have also increased their production of vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes in recent years. Germany’s meat substitute production increased by over 60 percent between 2019 and 2021 and amounted to 104,300 metric tons. Consumption in the UK is forecast to exceed 130,000 metric tons by 2028.
Health and wellness food trends
Cutting out meat and animal byproducts is one of many health and wellness trends adopted by consumers to lead a healthier lifestyle. Other wellness trends include reducing sugar intake, using supplements such as vitamins or probiotics, and purchasing organic products. Globally, the functional and natural health food market is expected to reach 27.44 billion U.S. dollars by 2026, and it is likely this trend will only continue to grow.
