Share of consumers who follow a meat-free diet worldwide in 2023, by select country

In a series of surveys conducted in 2023, roughly 45 percent of Indian respondents indicated that they typically follow a diet that excludes meat. These individuals reported adhering to vegan, vegetarian, or pescetarian lifestyles, reflecting a strong preference for plant-based or seafood-only diets among a substantial portion of the population.

What kind of meat-free diets are there?

Among the most popular meat-free diets are flexitarian, pescatarian, and vegan. The flexitarian diet is the least restrictive, focusing on vegetarian foods while occasionally allowing meat and fish. The pescatarian diet includes vegetarian foods along with fish and seafood. In contrast, veganism is the most restrictive, being entirely plant-based and excluding all animal products. Meat substitute products, or alternatives, are a popular replacement for meat. In Germany, millennials are the most likely to regularly consume substitutes.

Meat-free diets in the UK and Great Britain

 In April 2023, around 36 percent of individuals surveyed in the United Kingdom indicated their agreement with the statement, "Generally speaking, meat-free diets are more beneficial for the environment." In comparison, a mere five percent of respondents voiced strong disagreement with this perspective, suggesting a significant portion of the population recognizes the environmental advantages of reducing meat consumption. In January 2024, Generation Z in Great Britain represented the highest percentage of adults planning to cut meat from their diets in the coming year. Approximately 26 percent of respondents stated their intention to avoid meat in 2024, while an equal percentage reported already adhering to a meat-free lifestyle. This aligns with previous surveys highlighting the growing recognition of the environmental benefits of plant-based diets.