According to the survey, around 50% of the Gen Zers chose to go vegan for its health benefits. Meanwhile, almost 17% chose the diet because of animal cruelty, while another 17% opted to go vegan for the environment.

A new study has found that 70% of vegan Gen-Zs (those born between 1997 and 2012) are willing to continue pursuing a vegan diet in the next five years.

The poll was conducted by Medical Inspiration Daily For Stronger Society (MIDSS), and surveyed 3000 Gen Zers to learn how this generation will shape the future of the food and health industries.

According to the poll, the population is currently the main driver of the US plant-based food market, which is currently worth over 10 billion USD. It is expected to reach 34 billion within the next five years.

Poll results

Among the top findings, the poll found that around 50% of the Gen Zers chose to go vegan for its health benefits. Meanwhile, almost 17% chose the diet because of animal cruelty, while another 17% opted to go vegan for the environment. While the health of the planet may not be the primary reason for most vegans, overall, 40% of respondents believe their dietary practices have an overall positive impact on the environment.

However, the poll surprisingly found that 48% of non-vegans are skeptical about the positive environmental impact of veganism, while 40% do believe in it. Although the reason behind this doubt is unclear, it could be attributed to a lack of knowledge.

Additionally, 60% of vegans said that they share information on the benefits of a vegan lifestyle to encourage others to follow suit. This could be one of the many reasons why veganism continues to be popular in this age group.

Survey results also showed that 70% of current vegans have no plans to go back to a non-vegan diet. However, 37% of vegans crave non-vegan foods.

Another challenge cited by about 51% of vegans just starting out is understanding the health benefits of the diet. Fortunately, this means there’s great potential to convert more people to eating a plant-based diet with improved education on health and nutrition.

The findings also highlighted that not all Gen-Zers want to be vegans themselves. Nearly 80% of non-vegans were against the idea, while more than half stated that meat cravings presented the biggest barrier. 

In addition, 73% of non-vegans noted that they are not familiar with the term “flexitarian.”

‘Plant-based preferences are changing the health and food landscape’

Based on the findings, MIDSS concluded that “the idea that a plant-based diet is the best choice for both physical and mental health is gaining traction.”

“And while veganism might still seem a bit too extreme for much of the population, Gen Zers clearly prefer it more than any other generation. 

“Their plant-based preferences are also changing the health and food landscape as we know it.”

The group added: “Even if veganism isn’t for everyone, its popularity is helping spread the word about the importance of eating more plants.

“It’s also caused the meat-substitute industry to grow into a billion-dollar business while sparking interest among traditional meat eaters to sample new options.”

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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