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14% of Brits Are Now Meat-Free
14% of the UK population followed a meat-free diet at the end of 2025 — approximately 7.7 million people. This is up from 12% at the end of 2024 and represents one of the most significant shifts in UK dietary behaviour in decades. Add those actively planning to go meat-free in 2026, and over 27% of Brits are either already meat-free or intending to become so.
The drivers are multiple: environmental concern, animal welfare, health, and cost. The youngest generations are leading the change — 41% of Gen Z intend to follow a meat-free diet. The food service implications are significant: vegan orders at UK quick-service restaurants increased 56% in 2024, and vegetarian orders rose 64%.
Key Facts & Figures (Overview)
- 14% of the UK population followed a meat-free diet at the end of 2025 — approximately 7.7 million people
- Up from 12% at end of 2024 and 7.2 million at start of 2023 — indicating rapid, consistent growth
- Approximately 5.5% of UK adults are vegetarian — around 3 million people
- Approximately 3.1% of UK adults are vegan — around 1.7–2.5 million people (figures vary by survey methodology)
- A further 3 million people are pescetarian — consuming fish but no other meat
- Approximately 27% of Brits are either already meat-free or plan to become so in 2026 (Finder, 2025)
- 41% of Gen Z and 32% of millennials intend to follow a meat-free diet in 2026
- The UK has the largest meat-free market in Europe, valued at approximately £437 million for dedicated meat-free products
- Vegan orders at UK quick-service restaurants increased by 56% in 2024 (Restroworks/UKHospitality data)
- Vegetarian orders at UK QSRs increased by 64% in 2024
- In January 2025, Veganuary recorded 25.8 million global participants — a 35% increase on 2024 — with over 1,000 restaurants and brands launching vegan menus during the month
- 49% of British people are limiting their meat intake or have given up meat completely (Mintel)
- 70% of UK vegans cite animal welfare as their primary motivation; 53% environmental concerns; 27% personal health
- In 2021, the global vegan food market was worth approximately $16 billion, forecast to exceed $24 billion by 2026
- Animal welfare is the top motivator (57%) followed by health (52%) and environment (48%)
Who Is Going Meat-Free?
The demographic pattern is consistent across all surveys: younger generations, women, and urban residents are disproportionately driving the shift toward plant-based diets.
By generation: 26% of Gen Z currently follow a meat-free diet; 15% of millennials; around 12% of Gen X; only 10% of Baby Boomers. Gen Z are the most likely both to already be meat-free and to plan to become so.
By gender: Women are more likely to follow a plant-based diet than men. The Vegan Society's 2025 survey found women make up 63% of the vegan population; men 37%. However, the gender gap is narrowing as plant-based eating becomes more mainstream.
By geography: London has the highest meat-free population at 21%. The South West has the lowest proportion of vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians at 11%.
The Food Service Implications
The growth of plant-based diets creates both opportunities and compliance obligations for food businesses:
Menu demand is rising. The 56–64% increase in plant-based orders at UK QSRs in 2024 reflects sustained consumer demand for quality meat-free options, not merely a passing trend.
Allergen and ingredient awareness is particularly important for plant-based menus. Many plant-based protein sources — including soy, nuts (particularly cashews in sauces), sesame, and gluten — are major allergens. Plant-based menus that do not carefully manage allergen labelling and cross-contamination present real risk.
Cross-contamination is a concern for customers with dietary requirements based on religion (halal, kosher), ethics (veganism, vegetarianism), or health (e.g. dairy intolerance). Equipment and surfaces used for meat must not contaminate plant-based dishes — both for food safety and for meeting the reasonable expectations of customers who have specifically requested a plant-based option.
Labelling obligations under Natasha's Law and the Food Information Regulations require accurate ingredient declaration on pre-packed and PPDS foods — which must include plant-based alternatives containing allergens.
Written by Food Safety Experts
This guide was produced by the team at Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate, a UK provider of CPD-accredited online food hygiene training. The growth of plant-based eating is reshaping the UK's food environment — and creating specific food safety and allergen management challenges for food businesses adapting their menus.
