Vegan Food Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033

Global Outlooks of Vegan Food Markets

Vegan food refers to plant-based foods that are devoid of any products from animal origin, which means no meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. This diet is majorly based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and also the plant-based substitutes for meats and dairy like tofu, tempeh, plant milk, and vegan cheese. This diet has recently gained lots of popularity since it has drawn awareness about environmental and ethical consequences of animal agriculture along with its benefits on health.

Climatological concerns over the years have been on the increase, thereby boosting the popularity of vegan food as many look to reduce their carbon footprint. Veganism also comes with various health benefits like weight management and reduced risk of chronic diseases; it also leads to improved digestion. The emergence of social media and celebrity endorsement has also fueled plant-based diets. The food industry has responded with a growing variety of vegan products, making it easier for people to adopt this lifestyle, which is contributing to the rapid growth of the global vegan food market.

Growth Drivers in the Vegan Food Market

Health Consciousness and Wellness Trends

The increased awareness of health benefits associated with vegan diets has contributed greatly to the growth of the market. Studies have demonstrated that plant-based diets reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. With more emphasis on personal health and wellness through healthier eating patterns, vegan food is becoming the best lifestyle option. Vegan alternatives have lower saturated fats and greater fiber content; therefore, a demand is now increasing across the age groups for market growth. Recently, lifestyle veganism has significantly increased. There are estimated 88 million people who follow the vegan lifestyle as of 2024, according to the Vegan Society. India, the country with the highest percentage, boasts an 11% population who claims to be a vegan, while the United States and China come second at 4%. Of these vegans, 27% are from Gen Z and millennials, while Gen X is around 23%.

Environmental Sustainability

Increasingly, consumers have been focusing their attention on the environmental sustainability of foodstuffs. In this regard, animal agriculture ranks as one of the primary factors causing greenhouse gases, deforestation, and water pollution. A vegan foodstuff provides an environment-friendly option where plant-based foodstuffs tend to have significantly lower carbon emissions compared to animal-based counterparts. As awareness of climate change and sustainability increases, so does the uptake of vegan food to reduce carbon footprint, creating demand and further growth in the vegan food market. For instance, ShelfNow, the food retailer online, recorded a 156% increase in vegetable meal sales and a 150% increase in vegan meal sales, with a significant rise in the vegan food market in various food store operators.

Advancement in Product Innovation

Vegan food is witnessing a revolution of innovations, with more and improved plant-based products coming into the market. Meat alternatives, dairy-free substituents, and other plant-based innovations, mimicked close to the taste and mouthfeel of traditional animal-based products, are the highlighted sectors of this innovation cycle. With consumer demand for tasty, convenient, and high-quality vegan products, firms are heavily investing in research and development. This product innovation has attracted health-conscious consumers and people who are transitioning into plant-based diets, thereby opening up the market and encouraging wider adoption of vegan food. For instance, Shiru, Inc., which is based in the US, recently launched OleoPro, a plant-based fat ingredient created using its proprietary AI-driven platform, Flourish, which gives insights on novel plant proteins.

Challenges in the Vegan Food Market

High Price of Vegan Products

While popularity is increasing, the cost of vegan food may be a major deterrent to widespread adoption. Many plant-based products, especially meat and dairy alternatives, are significantly more expensive than their animal-based counterparts. Production costs are often higher, the scale is limited, and specialized ingredients add to the price difference. This price gap may discourage some consumers from fully embracing a vegan lifestyle, limiting the growth of the market, particularly in lower-income households and developing regions.

Perceptual and cultural barriers

Many places consider veganism to be a niche or alternative lifestyle associated with particular demographics or subcultures. Besides, social and cultural norms promoting the consumption of meat can raise opposition to the intake of vegan food. Several traditional diets around the world heavily depend on animal products, so transitioning to a more plant-based diet is hard. So far, perceptions and cultural resistance are one of the significant hurdles in encouraging global adoption of vegan food.

Dairy Alternatives Vegan Food Market

Dairy alternatives, the segment within the vegan food market, is gaining a significant momentum as more consumers seek to reduce their lactose intake and substitute with plant-based products. Milks made from plants such as almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk are finding more takers as dairy alternatives, thanks to health benefits and numerous flavors available in the market. The trend toward dairy-free diets, often for reasons of lactose intolerance, veganism, and health, is driving the demand for dairy-free substitutes, which is expanding this market segment.

Almond Vegan Food Market

The almond-based vegan food market is booming because of the popularity of almond milk, a dairy-free alternative. Almonds are also used in various vegan food products, such as almond butter, almond-based cheeses, and snacks. The health advantages of almonds, such as its rich content of healthy fats, protein, and fibers, contribute to the expanding demand for such goods that almond-based has gained within the healthy-conscious consumers. As the demand for plant-based diets continues to increase, the growth of the almond vegan food market is anticipated to continue.

Wheat Vegan Food Market

Wheat-based products, for example wheat gluten or seitan, are particularly common in the vegan food market. Wheat gluten is a protein-riche material prepared from wheat dough that can resemble the look and texture of meat. Due to the increasing demand for plant-based protein intake, wheat-based vegan products have become in fashion. Wheat-based bread, pasta, and bread products are also wide spread throughout the diet of vegans, thus making it the most versatile ingredient in the expansion of the market.

Vegan Food Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Market

Supermarkets and hypermarkets have been the most essential distribution channels for vegan food products. As consumer demand for plant-based products rises, many supermarkets are expanding their vegan offerings to cater to the growing market segment. This encompasses dedicated vegan sections, plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. The convenience of shopping for vegan food in large, mainstream stores is attracting more customers and making vegan food more accessible, which contributes to the market's growth.

Online Store Vegan Food Market

Online stores that sell vegan food are on the rise. Through online stores, the consumer gets the convenience of accessing vegan food items in the most easy way through online stores for grocery and meal kits, and snack and supplements products. The growth of online platforms has also enabled companies to reach a broader audience, including those in regions where vegan options may be limited in physical stores. This shift to online shopping is further driving the expansion of the vegan food market.

Vegan Food Market Overview by Regions

United States Vegan Food Market

The United States is one of the largest markets for vegan food, with a growing number of consumers adopting plant-based diets. With the growing awareness of health and environmental issues, more Americans are opting for vegan food products, such as meat and dairy alternatives, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. The availability of vegan products in major supermarkets and restaurants is also driving market growth. The U.S. market is expected to continue growing as plant-based options become more mainstream. Israeli startup Chunk Foods began selling vegan steak whole-cuts made from cultured soy in select U.S. restaurants in 2023. The steaks are now sold in retail stores in New York City and Los Angeles, with a nationwide rollout planned for 2025, according to VegOut Magazine.

United Kingdom Vegan Food Market

In the UK, there is a considerable rise in veganism, as people opt for a plant-based diet for health and ethical reasons. Vegan food can be easily sourced in supermarkets, restaurants, and online stores. With the emergence of vegan celebrities, influencers, and social media campaigns, it has contributed much to the growing market. The UK is among the leading markets for vegan food in Europe.

India Vegan Food Market

The Indian vegan food market is growing fast, mainly because of increased awareness about the health benefits of plant-based diets and concerns about animal welfare. Traditionally, India is a vegetarian country, and many consumers are already familiar with plant-based ingredients. The surging popularity of veganism, especially in urban youth, creates a high demand for vegan products - dairy alternatives, plant-based meat, and snacks. In addition, the trend of vegan restaurants and shopping websites contributes to market growth. Dec 2024, Vezlay Soya Chikka, Healthy and delicious vegan product with quick preparation at home. It's a game changer for those who want tasty and nutritious meals and can make various dishes.

Saudi Arabia Vegan Food Market

Demand for vegan food is growing in Saudi Arabia, as more and more consumers seek healthier, sustainable, and ethical dietary options. Increasing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture, coupled with increasing health consciousness, drives the popularity of plant-based diets. Meat and dairy alternative food products that are vegan in nature have been gaining momentum in major cities, and it is expected that the market would increase with younger people embracing veganism and a plant-based lifestyle. August 2023: The vegan food scene in Saudi is growing. Restaurants and cafes offer plant-based options. Ayla's Choice revolutionized the market for it allowed its customers to purchase locally made plant-based products from its shop for use at home.

Vegan Food Market Segments

Product – Market breakup in 3 viewpoints:

1. Dairy Alternatives
2. Meat Substitutes
3. Others

Source – Market breakup in 5 viewpoints:

1. Almond
2. Soy
3. Oats
4. Wheat
5. Others

Distribution Channel – Market breakup in 5 viewpoints:

1. Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
2. Convenience Stores
3. Specialty Stores
4. Online Stores
5. Others

Country – Market breakup in 25 viewpoints:

North America

1. United States
2. Canada

Europe

1. France
2. Germany
3. Italy
4. Spain
5. United Kingdom
6. Belgium
7. Netherlands
8. Turkey

Asia Pacific

1. China
2. Japan
3. India
4. Australia
5. South Korea
6. Thailand
7. Malaysia
8. Indonesia
9. New Zealand

Latin America

1. Brazil
2. Mexico
3. Argentina

Middle East & Africa

1. South Africa
2. Saudi Arabia
3. UAE

All the key players have been covered from 5 Viewpoints:

• Overview
• Key Persons
• Recent Development & Strategies
• Product Portfolio
• Financial Insights

Company Analysis

1. Beyond Meat Inc.
2. Danone S.A
3. The Archer Daniels Midland Company
4. Tofutti Brands Inc.
5. Vitasoy Australia Products Pty Ltd.
6. SunOpta
7. Daiya Foods, Inc.

Report Details: