What was once regarded as a fringe movement viewed by the wider public with varying degrees of suspicion, veganism is now winning British hearts and minds in ever greater numbers.
According to new research to mark the start of World Vegan Month, more than half of UK adults are now adopting vegan-buying behaviours and Britain is more vegan-friendly than ever before.
One in five (19 per cent) cut down on the amount of meat they buy and the same number check if their toiletries are tested on animals, and nearly one in eight (13 per cent) now choose meat or dairy free options from the menu when eating out.
Around half of those surveyed (51 per cent) said they welcomed the rise in vegan foods available in shops, cafes and restaurants, with almost one in 10 (9 per cent) saying they would like to see an even greater choice of vegan food options on offer.
A third thought there should be better education in schools to teach about the impact of animal farming on the environment, 26 per cent said prisons, schools and hospitals should provide a vegan option by law and 9 per cent think there should be a tax on animal based products.
Half of those surveyed said they know someone who is vegan and a fifth said they would consider becoming a vegan themselves.
Far from feeling threatened by an individual’s decision to give up eating meat or dairy, 43 per cent said they respected them for their stance and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) said they admired them.
But many remain to be convinced with nearly half (46 per cent) saying they would never consider becoming a vegan, even if they knew they would lose weight, improve their health and have a genuine impact on animal welfare.
For those who have embraced veganism though, there’s a feeling that the revolution has only just begun.
Later this month, The Vegan Society will be commemorating World Vegan Month 2017 with the launch of a brand new app, VNutrition, which has been developed with the support of its in-house dietitian, and will focus on helping vegans hit their nutritional goals.
The Vegan Society will also be launching its Vegan on the Go campaign which will encourage retailers to provide more vegan on-the-go type lunch options, firmly establishing veganism as part of mainstream culture.
