Vegetarianism and veganism rates in Canada by region 2018

As of March 2018, British Columbia was the Canadian province with the highest rates of vegetarianism and veganism. Some 8.6 percent of survey respondents in British Columbia stated that they were vegetarian, whilst some 3.9 percent claimed to be vegan. The Prairies had the lowest rate of vegetarianism, and the Atlantic region had the lowest rate of veganism.

What is the difference between vegetarian and vegan?

Someone who is vegetarian does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish or shellfish. Veganism is a stricter form of vegetarianism: vegans do not eat any animal or animal-derived products. This includes any dairy products, eggs, gelatin etc. Those who follow more stringent vegan diets may also cut out foods such as honey. People can have various motives for following such diets, including religious, health, environmental and moral reasons.

Opinions on plant-based foods in Canada

In a recent survey, some 43 percent of Canadian stated that they would eat a plant-based substitute for meat. Females aged between 18 and 34 are the demographic most likely to view eating more plant-based foods and products as a positive choice. Despite British Columbia having the highest levels or vegetarianism and veganism, Canadians in the Atlantic provinces are most likely to view eating more plant-based foods positively.