India Leads the Way in Vegetarianism, According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
In recent years, vegetarianism has been on the rise as people become more conscious about their health, the environment, and animal welfare. In this article, we will explore which countries have the highest rates of vegetarians and understand the cultural and societal factors that contribute to their dietary choices.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, India leads the list with nearly 24% of its population following a vegetarian diet. This high percentage can be attributed to cultural beliefs, especially among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, who advocate for non-violence towards animals.
Following India, other countries with high vegetarian populations include Mexico, Brazil, and Taiwan. These countries also have cultural and religious traditions that promote vegetarianism to varying degrees.
A study conducted by The Economic and Social Research Institute found that around 1.5 billion people, or 18% of the global population at that time, followed a vegetarian diet. This shows that vegetarianism is not a niche trend but rather a significant dietary choice for a large portion of the global population.
The World Health Organization recommends consuming 400 grams of fruits and vegetables daily for optimal health. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 1 in 10 adults meet this recommendation due to the prevalence of fast food culture and meat-based diets.
Interestingly, Croatia tops the list in terms of vegetable consumption per capita, while Chad consumes the least amount of vegetables. These differences reflect the efforts of certain cultures to prioritize their health standards and utilize their agricultural resources effectively.
Moreover, vegetarianism has emerged as a sustainable food choice. With nearly 20% of the world’s freshwater being used in livestock production and approximately 33% of arable land dedicated to growing animal feed, vegetarianism presents an eco-friendly alternative.
However, despite the growing popularity of vegetarianism, the majority of the world’s population still consumes meat and meat-based products. According to Statista’s Consumer Insights of 2023, 86% of respondents surveyed in 21 countries reported including meat in their diets.
To meet the demands of the increasing vegetarian population, several big names in the food sector have introduced plant-based alternatives. Beyond Meat, Inc., for example, offers plant-based meat products that mimic the taste and texture of meat. Kellogg Company, known for its MorningStar Farms brand, has also been moving towards making all its products 100% plant-based. Even traditionally meat-centric companies like Tyson Foods Inc. have introduced plant-based product lines to cater to the rising popularity of plant-based diets.
Overall, vegetarianism is not just a passing fad but a dietary choice that is here to stay. As more people become aware of the benefits of a plant-based diet, the popularity of vegetarianism is expected to continue growing.