The percentage of Brits following a vegan diet skyrocketed by 40 percent in 2020, according to a new poll.

The research, by shopping comparison site, finder.com, said an increasing number of Brits changed their diet in 2020. They either went veggie, pescatarian, or vegan.

‘40% increase in vegans in Britain’

It said the diet that ‘saw the most new recruits’ was veganism. Its findings showed that approximately 1.1 million people followed a plant-based diet at the beginning of 2020.

Now, it said, that figure is closer to 1.5 million people. This is equivalent to three percent of the population.

However, it should be noted, that while many people intend to change their diets, not everyone sticks with it.

The Vegan Society

While The Vegan Society was unable to confirm these numbers, a spokesperson told Plant Based News more people are trying out vegan diets.

They added: “Chicago Town vegan pizzas, vegan Bounty bars and Asda’s strong Christmas vegan line – comprising of 72 different items – are just some of the exciting, innovative vegan products that have been launched in the last year alone.

“People of all ages and backgrounds are now trying and transitioning to a vegan way of life. It’s no longer portrayed as an unusual choice. In fact, it’s never been easier or more accessible.

“With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that more people than ever before are happily following a plant-based diet. [They are] saving on their shopping bills, lowering their carbon footprint and experimenting more in the kitchen.”

Quadrupling numbers

The Vegan Society’s numbers were slightly different from those shared by Finder.com. However, they relate to an earlier date – running up to 2019. 

The spokesperson added: “The findings by Finder.com, in particular the number of those who gave up meat between 2019 and 2020, reflects recent news that a record-breaking 500,000 people have taken on the challenge of Veganuary this year.

[This is] double the amount who pledged to try going vegan for a month in 2019. 125,000 of those trying Veganuary this year hail from the UK.”

Vegans in Britain

They added: “The results reflect the changing way vegans are perceived in society. A 2019 survey by Ipsos Mori, commissioned by The Vegan Society, found that the number of vegans in Great Britain quadrupled between 2014 and 2019.

“In 2019 there were 600,000 vegans, or 1.16 percent of the population but only 150,000 or just 0.25 percent in 2014.

“All in all, this latest report shows positive steps are being taken and that the vegan trend is continuing to grow at a fast rate. For information or advice for trying, and staying, vegan, please visit vegansociety.com or follow us on social media.”