A recent CNN article discusses veganism’s incredible growth in Germany.
That’s right: Germans are ditching traditional bratwurst and schnitzel for plant-based versions. In fact, a 2016 study based on 2008–2011 data estimated that 4.3 percent of Germans between 18 and 79 identified as vegetarian, with the majority between 18 and 29. Compare that to 2 percent in the United Kingdom and 3.3 percent in the United States.
According to Kay Peggs, sociology professor at Kingston University in the U.K., people become vegans mainly in the interest of animal welfare, environmental protection, and improved health. “There certainly seems to be a trend in younger people identifying as vegan in European countries,” Peggs observed.
Thomas Sanders, emeritus professor of nutrition and dietetics at Kings College London, attributes this in part to Germany’s robust animal rights and green movements.
Germany’s shift is part of a worldwide trend. Over the past decade, veganism has seen consistent growth as millennials, the world’s largest generation, purchase their own foods. Concerned about health, the environment, and animal welfare, this generation boasts a greater number of self-identifying vegetarians than any other, explains The New York Times.
NBC reports that according to Google, searches for “vegan” increased by 33 percent in the past year alone. This is slightly higher than the increase from 2015 to 2016.
Additionally, a report from Mintel earlier this year found the number of vegan products in Australia had increased by 92 percent since 2014.
As vegan foods become more accessible, it’s never been easier to ditch animal products. Join the millions who are taking a stand for animals, the environment, and their own health by transitioning to a plant-based diet.
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