2024 : The Growth of Vegans in Australia
Veganism is on the rise globally, with approximately 88 million individuals identifying as vegan as of 2023. Despite this growth, the movement still has a considerable journey ahead, particularly as more people seek vegan-friendly options due to health, environmental, and animal welfare concerns.
In Australia, the vegan community is experiencing similar expansion, paralleled by an increasing demand for plant-based meats. The industry has evolved significantly, transitioning from a niche market to a robust sector boasting over 30 brands and nearly 300 products nationally.
What Percentage of Australia is vegan?
According to the latest The Food Frontier consumer survey in 2024, approximately 5% of Australians now adhere to a vegan diet, a 2% increase from 2023, as reported by Statista. This rise highlights a growing shift towards plant-based living in Australia. Alongside this surge in veganism, 44% of Australians believe that animal agriculture contributes to climate change, and a significant 79% of Australians are opting to go meat-free at least one day a week. The reasons behind this shift in meat consumption include health concerns (61%), budget constraints (54%), and environmental awareness (37%).
This trend is also mirrored in the increasing demand for plant-based alternatives. Plant-based milk options, such as Bonsoy, have gained widespread popularity, with around 40% of Australian households now incorporating them into their diets, according to a report from the ABC on plant-based milk alternatives. This overall movement signifies a broader embrace of plant-based living across the country.
Is Veganism Growing in Australia?
The growth of veganism in Australia is experiencing remarkable momentum, with the number of people identifying as vegan steadily increasing over the years. In 2019, approximately 250,000 Australians were identified as vegans, but by 2023, that number had surged to 900,000. As of 2024, this figure has climbed even higher, with roughly 1.3 million Australians now embracing a vegan lifestyle.
This shift is reflected in the booming plant-based meat industry, which has seen a growing demand for healthier and more sustainable protein sources.
Initially, the plant-based offerings were limited to staples such as sausages and burgers, but as consumer interest in vegan options grew, manufacturers diversified their product lines to cater to a wider variety of dishes.
Today, there are roughly 30 brands in Australia offering nearly 300 plant-based meat alternatives nationwide, further supporting the shift toward plant-based eating. This rise in plant-based meats demonstrates the changing consumer attitudes and the increasing desire for sustainable and ethical food choices.
Which Australian City Has the Most Vegans?
Determining which Australian city boasts the highest concentration of vegans presents challenges due to the lack of comprehensive data. However, cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane are renowned for their vibrant vegan communities and plethora of vegan-friendly establishments.
Melbourne, in particular, stands out as a leading hub for veganism, with an abundance of eateries, events, and initiatives catering to plant-based lifestyles. Similarly, Sydney and Brisbane boast thriving vegan scenes, reflecting a nationwide trend towards embracing plant-based living.
Globally, veganism is growing, with approximately 88 million adherents by 2023, driven by health, environmental, and animal welfare concerns. In Australia, the movement is expanding steadily, evidenced by a rising demand for plant-based meats and an increase in the number of vegans, reaching 5% of the population (roughly 1.3 million Australians). Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane stand out as leading cities for embracing vegan lifestyles, offering numerous vegan-friendly options and vibrant communities. Ongoing research by organisations like Food Frontier provides insights into the industry's trajectory.
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*This blog includes affiliates links where I may receive a commission