Consuming a diet predominately based on plants has been around for centuries, but it was only in the 1940s that people began to adopt the term “vegan” to describe a diet free of all animal products. The movement has steadily grown over the years and is now a worldwide phenomenon. From Australia to Europe, veganism is on the rise – with some countries leading the way in terms of adoption. Let’s take a closer look at why veganism is growing and what the future holds for plant-based diets.
The Origins of Veganism
Veganism began in 1944 when Donald Watson coined the term “vegan” to describe vegetarians who abstained from consuming animal products, such as dairy and eggs. This new way of living quickly spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to North America in the 1970s. Since then, veganism has grown exponentially; according to recent data from Statista, the value of the world wide vegan food market was in 2021 $15.77 Billion (US) and is expected to grow to $22.27 Billion (US) in 2025.
How Many Vegans Are There in Australia
When it comes to veganism, Australia leads the pack in terms of adoption. According to research conducted by Roy Morgan, 2.5 million Australians now have diets of which the food is all, or almost all, vegetarian or vegan. – that’s an amazing 12.1% of adults in Australia! In the last decade people following a plant-based diet has increased by about 50%. The eastern states hold the highest number of vegans. This rapid increase can be attributed to a number of factors including increasing awareness about animal welfare, environmental concerns and health benefits associated with plant-based eating.
The Growing Popularity of Plant-Based Eating in Australia
One reason why plant-based diets have become so popular is because of how tasty and convenient they have become! Gone are the days when vegans had to source expensive ingredients from specialty stores or eat bland meals consisting mostly vegetables and boring salads; now there are countless restaurants, coffee shops and lunch rooms offering delicious vegan alternatives that are often as satisfying or even better as their non-vegan counterparts.
Additionally, supermarket chains have seen the light and now offer an wide variety of vegan products such as plant-based milks, cheeses and burgers that make going vegan easier than ever before. And what to think of all these amazing fully plant-based meal-kit services that are going around nowadays. They come up with amazing easy to cook and tasty meals. It’s no wonder then that more and more people are choosing to go meat-free or having some meat free days a week!
What is a Plant-Based Diet and How Does it Differ From Veganism
A plant-based diet primarily focuses on foods derived from plants, including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. While it may sound similar to veganism, the two concepts are slightly different. A vegan diet eliminates all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and even honey, from one’s diet and lifestyle. Veganism is often a lifestyle choice driven by ethical concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact. On the other hand, a plant-based diet does not necessarily exclude animal products entirely, but emphasizes consuming whole, minimally processed plant foods as the majority of the diet. For example: coconut milk is considered a vegan product. However if the coconut for this product was harvested by monkeys on chain’s (yes this happens) then the coconut milk would not be considered vegan while it is still a plant-based product.
For many people, adopting a plant-based diet is primarily driven by health considerations, such as lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. While veganism encompasses the ethical stance of avoiding all forms of animal exploitation, a plant-based diet can be a little more flexible, with some people choosing to occasionally consume animal products. The key is focusing on plant foods as the foundation of meals for optimal health and sustainability.
The Rise of Plant-Based Products: A Game Changer for Vegans
As more people switch over to a plant-based diet, food companies have begun developing new products designed specifically for vegans and vegetarians alike. These products range from imitation meats crafted from plant proteins such as beans and mushrooms to dairy-free yogurts made with coconut milk or cashew cream cheese made with almonds and other nuts. The quality and variety of these products have only improved over time; today, vegans have access to delicious alternatives that come very close to their favourite foods without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Are Plant-Based Diets Better for the Environment and Health
Yes, plant-based diets are widely considered to be beneficial for both the environment and personal health. From an environmental perspective, reducing meat and animal product consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and reduces deforestation caused by livestock farming. According to studies, the global livestock sector accounts for around 14.5% of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute significantly to climate change. By switching to plant-based eating, individuals can actively reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to more sustainable way of living.
From a health standpoint, research has shown that plant-based diets are linked to lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The abundance of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes makes plant-based diets nutrient-dense and supportive of long-term well-being. Additionally, these diets tend to be lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, which promotes better cardiovascular health. By focusing on whole foods, you can enjoy delicious meals that not only support personal health but also contribute to a healthier planet!
Future of Veganism and Plant-Based Eating in Australia
The future of veganism and plant-based eating in Australia looks promising. As awareness around sustainability, health, and animal welfare grows, more Australians are embracing plant-based diets. Food businesses are responding to this increased demand by offering a wider range of innovative products, from plant-based proteins to vegan-friendly snacks. Supermarkets, restaurants, and even fast-food chains are recognizing the shift, expanding their plant-based options to cater to the growing number of people interested going full vegan or just want to reduce their meat intake.
Additionally, the rising popularity of plant-based meal delivery services is making it easier for people to incorporate vegan meals into their busy lives. These services provide convenient, healthy, and delicious meal options that take the guesswork out of plant-based cooking. In the coming years, we can expect to see even more advancements in plant-based food technology and a greater emphasis on sustainable eating practices across the food industry..
Conclusion: Why Veganism is the Future of Sustainable Eating
It’s clear that veganism is here to stay; more people than ever before are embracing this lifestyle around the world, especially in countries like Australia where its popularity has skyrocketed over the last decade. As food companies continue innovating plant-based alternatives that taste just as good as their animal product counterparts, veganism will become even more mainstream in years to come—and that’s something everyone can get excited about!
Frequently Asked Questions About Veganism and Plant-Based Diets
How Many Vegans are There Worldwide?
There are currently an estimated 79 million vegans worldwide, which accounts for just over 1% of the global population. While this might seem like a small number when compared to the total world population of 7.8 billion, the rise of veganism in recent years has been huge. Initially focused on avoiding animal cruelty, the movement has gained momentum through increasing concerns about health, sustainability, and climate change. Interestingly, animal welfare remains the primary motivation for most vegans, with 68.1% driven by compassion for animals, while health (17.4%) and environmental concerns (9.7%) follow close behind. As veganism becomes more mainstream, the vegan food industry continues to grow rapidly, projected to reach $31.4 billion by 2026.
Are Plant-Based Diets Popular in Australia?
Australia is at the forefront of the vegan movement, boasting one of the highest adoption rates globally. Research by Roy Morgan reveals that 2.5 million Australians—an impressive 12.1% of the adult population—now follow diets that are entirely or mostly vegetarian or vegan. Over the past decade, the number of people embracing plant-based diets has surged by nearly 50%, with the eastern states leading in numbers.
How Can I Start a Plant-Based Diet in Australia?
We can help you with starting your plant-based diet today. VegMeUp does offer a diverse menu which is fully plant-based and makes it really easy for you to start cooking with plants. We take the thinking away and save you lots of time. Our food boxes get delivered to your front door and help you cooking crazy delicious plant-based foods. Check this link to choose a plan that is right for you.
It is really fantastic to see that awareness is growing around our food intake, people start to see that we cannot continue the way we are doing food right now. Animal agriculture is not sustainable! It is damaging our planet and all who live on it dramatically. Deep inside we all know it, let’s not close our eyes to the facts and start a plant-based journey today! Let’s encourage each other on this exciting journey.
With love,
Jimmy