Nearly One-Third of Swedish Youth Eating More Vegan Foods to Reduce Carbon Footprint

A recent report published by the Nordic Council of Ministers reveals that the region, particularly Sweden, is seeing a boom in veganism. The report, titled Solutions Menu: A Nordic guide to sustainable food policy, noted that driving the switch is millennials, who are ditching animal products for the environment and their health.

Using data from the 2017 Pathways and Teaching Areas: Swedish Youth Barometer, the report states that about 30 percent of Swedish youth are eating more plant-based foods. The council believes the uptick is mainly attributable to the younger population’s desire to decrease their environmental impact.

Additionally, results from the 2015 Nordic Food Survey by Ernst & Young reveal that 34 percent of Nordic consumers say they plan to eat more vegetarian food. Of all consumers in the Nordic region, which includes Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, 24 percent predict they will personally eat less meat in the coming years, yet again because of the health benefits and their concern for the environment.

It should come as no surprise that the world’s largest fast-food chain, McDonald’s, made its McVegan sandwich a permanent menu fixture in Finland and Sweden. The company sold more than 150,000 McVegans in these two countries this past January alone.

But veganism isn’t just taking off in Nordic countries. In fact, people all around the world are rejecting animal products in droves. A recent report found that meat sales have steadily declined in the meat-centric country of France for the past two decades. And a recent survey by comparethemarket.com and Gresham College professor Carolyn Roberts reveals the number of vegan U.K. residents has spiked over the past two years. The data shows that around 3.5 million now identify as vegan, a whopping 7 percent of the total U.K. population.

Similarly, Australia is seeing an increase in plant-based diets. According to the Food Revolution Network, between 2014 and 2016, the number of food products launched in Australia carrying a vegan claim rose by 92 percent.

Germany is also one of the fastest-growing places for veganism, in large part because of the country’s interest in animal welfare and environmental protection. 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 3.3 percent of the U.S. population.

The wave of people ditching animal products in favor of a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate vegan diet is impossible to ignore. The research firm Global Data reports that veganism in America increased by 600 percent between 2014 and 2017, and Allied Market Research predicts that the meat substitute market will grow 8.4 percent from 2015, potentially reaching $5.2 billion globally by 2020.

Why is veganism suddenly everywhere? It’s part of a cultural shift toward more just and sustainable practices. What’s occurring in Sweden is a perfect example. Over the past decade, veganism has seen consistent growth as millennials—now the world’s largest generation—purchase their own food. Concerned about health, the environment, and animal welfare, this generation boasts more self-identifying vegetarians than any other, according to The New York Times.

More people enjoying vegan food is great news for the billions of animals who suffer at factory farms. Cows, pigs, chickens, and fish raised and killed for food are subjected to unthinkable cruelties: tiny, filthy cages; horrific mutilations; and violent slaughter.

Terrible, right? See for yourself.


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