Vegetarianism In America

Vegetarian Times Study Shows 7.3 Million Americans Are Vegetarians and an additional 22.8 Million Follow a Vegetarian-Inclined Diet.

Vegetarian Times Study Shows
7.3 Million Americans Are Vegetarians

Additional 22.8 Million Follow a Vegetarian-Inclined Diet

The just-released “Vegetarianism in America” study, published by Vegetarian Times (vegetariantimes.com), shows that 3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people, follow a vegetarian-based diet. Approximately 0.5 percent, or 1 million, of those are vegans, who consume no animal products at all. In addition, 10 percent of U.S., adults, or 22.8 million people, say they largely follow a vegetarian-inclined diet.

Data for this survey were collected by the Harris Interactive Service Bureau on behalf of Vegetarian Times. The poll surveyed 5,050 respondents, a statistically representative sample of the total U.S. population. Vegetarian Times commissioned RRC Associates, a research firm in Boulder, Colo., to perform the data analysis.

The 2008 study also indicates that of the non-vegetarians surveyed 5.2 percent, or 11.9 million people, are “definitely interested” in following a vegetarian-based diet in the future.

The study also collected data on age, gender and other demographic factors. Of the vegetarians surveyed:

  • 59 percent are female; 41 percent are male.
  • 42.0  percent are age 18 to 34 years old; 40.7 percent are 35 to 54; and 17.4  percent are over 55.
  • 57.1 percent have followed a vegetarian diet for more than 10 years; 18 percent for 5 to 10 years; 10.8  percent for 2 to 5 years, 14.1 percent for less than 2 years.

The 2008 study also indicated that over half (53 percent) of current vegetarians eat a vegetarian diet to improve their overall health. Environmental concerns were cited by 47 percent ; 39 percent cited “ natural approaches to wellness” ; 31 percent cited food-safety concerns; 54 percent cited animal welfare; 25 percent cited weight loss; and 24 percent weight maintenance.

“The vegetarian sector is one of the fastest-growing categories in food publishing,” says Elizabeth Turner, Vegetarian Times’ editor in chief. “It’s a dedicated group of consumers that is growing daily.”

“A vast number of people are seeking to reduce their meat intake, creating a rapidly growing market for all things vegetarian,” says Bill Harper, vice president and publisher of Vegetarian Times. That trend is reflected in the growth of the magazine, which saw July through December 2007 newsstand sales increase 19.4 percent over the same period in 2006.

About Vegetarian Times:
For over 30 years, Vegetarian Times has been at the forefront of the healthful-living movement, providing recipes, expert wellness information, and environmentally sound lifestyle solutions to vegetarians, vegans, and non-vegetarians alike.

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comments

This percentage is far too little :(

Andrea Hathcock - 2013-05-06 02:44:02

In response to Caitlin comment on 2013-01-07 Im glad to see that im not the only one whos family discourages a vegetarian diet. Im 16 years old and i believe so strongly in a healthier and more ethical choice than eating animals. Though i have a hard time convincing my family that it isnt just a fad I know that i will stick to my new diet.

Katie - 2013-03-11 13:03:27

I am pleasantly surprised that so many vegetarians/vegans exist outside my native country (India). Go ahead to stop the mad and cruel act of killing animal/fish/bird/egg for survival.

T.S. Prasad - 2013-02-07 09:46:52

I am vegetarian and it is best to be too

Josylen - 2013-01-31 03:14:10

I just wanted to respond to Sarah's comment on 2012-11-23. My family and friends also did not believe I would stick with it but 5 years later I'm still with it. My grandmother even called it a fad. However, I believed in myself enough to keep going. I researched how to go about healthily excluding meat from my diet by adding things like beans, whole grains and sprouts. Additionally, I learned to cook for myself and showed my family and friends it was important to me. I even inspired a few of my friends to try vegetarianism and veganism. Also, even though your family does not eat soy products doesn't mean you can't go meat free. There are many other foods that can be added to diets besides things like tofu and soy milk. I know several people who are gluten-free and meat-free.

Caitlin - 2013-01-07 21:36:18

THE FOOD LOOKS SO TASTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAKOTA - 2012-12-12 19:24:41

how about allergies to gluten? my family also does not eat soy products. how can we live a healthier, organic life without those foods? many recipes include those products. another problem i have is my family doesn't think i can actually be a vegetarian. how do i stay on track to show them that i can?

Sarah - 2012-11-23 18:28:21

and the number is growing the number of vegans DOUBLED the last 3 years!!so people finally waking up and see the cruelty behind the meat and dairy industry..Unfortunately ,being vegetarian is not enough guys,please consider go VEGAN because the milk industry is just as cruel as the meat industry.. male baby chicks grounded alive for your eggs,and baby cows separate from their mother and get killed few days after their birth for your stolen milk!!..so being VEGAN is the answer ,veganism helps stop the meat and dairy cruelty,fur and leather cruelty,vivisection,starving kids,global warming,environmental destruction,abusing animals for sport or entertainment or fashion,and overall u decrease your chance for heart attacks,strokes,diabetes and other diseases..cheese ,eggs,and dairy products kill just as much people and animals than the meat..so please go VEGAN thats the only way to stop the cruelty..

monique dee - 2012-11-18 08:29:37

In response to Rachel's comment (April 2012), what drives me crazy is not people thinking that vegetarians/vegans are rare but that we only eat salad. If I'm invited to a dinner or gathering, and they know I'm vegan, someone will inevitably say, "they'll have salad". After 20 years, I know to eat beforehand anyway, because I will usually go to socialize rather than eat. Let's not get into whether those salads have vegan dressing.

Jacqueline - 2012-08-25 21:46:29

This post is really good. I will post a link on Digg later:0)))

Purchase Vpn - 2012-08-06 07:51:49

Hello, I am 44 yea old man who is vegan. I became vegetarean and then vegan a year ago when my doctor told me my cholestorol was passing 220. My health is important to me, but as most Americans, I am an epicurean egocentric bastard that don't care much about animal welfare. However, if people would do some research on the horrific dangers of animal food (proteins) in your body. Read HIGH chances of dying by heart attack, strock, cancer, or slow tororous decay of your body until painful death, they in deed, might quickly stop eating meat or bury their heads in the sand. A turning point for me was whe I read "The China Study". I don't miss these PorterHouses a bit, my cholestorol is down in 170s in just 10 months, and I can't fell better.

Richard Green - 2012-08-05 22:27:18

Hello, I am a 78 year old woman who is vegan. I became vegetarian six years ago and a vegan three years ago. My health and the welfare of animals are equally important to me. If people would do some research on the horrific abuse of animals in the "meat" industry and the testing that is done on animals for cosmetics, medicines and other things they might quickly stop eating meat or bury their heads in the sand.

Joan E. Brown - 2012-07-31 13:25:31

I love this lifestyle! been a vegan a few yrs now and is a wonderful lifestyle,i never had more energy in my life than now!

Brenda Lee Ayala - 2012-07-14 00:39:40

GO VEGGIE AND CREATE A WORLD FREE OF DISEASES.

ROCKY - 2012-06-23 06:43:15

I'AM GOING TO MAKE THE VEG GUMBO, I'AM VEG WHAT A MAGAZINE TO HAVE YEA!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE MAGAZINE JESSICA LYNN

JESSICA LYNN PARKER - 2012-05-01 02:53:03