Global Average Vegetarian Rate
Last updated: March 6, 2026
8%
%
Approximately 8% of the global population identifies as vegetarian. India leads at 31-42% (depending on definition), followed by Mexico (19%) and Brazil (14%). The trend is accelerating, especially among younger demographics.
Historical Trend
Source: Euromonitor
Why This Average Exists
Vegetarianism rates reflect changing attitudes toward animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health, with significant implications for the food industry and agricultural policy.
Factors That Affect Global Average Vegetarian Rate
- Cultural and religious traditions
- Health awareness
- Environmental concerns
- Income levels
- Plant-based food availability
- Generational shifts
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology & Data Sources
The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.
Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.
All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.
Further Reading
- Global Average Meat Consumption— 43.2 kg kg/year
- Global Average Calorie Intake— 2,960 kcal kcal/day
- Global Average CO₂ Emissions Per Capita— 4.7 tonnes tonnes/year
- Global Average Carbon Footprint— 4.7 tonnes tonnes CO₂/year
- Global Average Food Price Index— 120.4 index
- Global Average Food Waste— 121 kg kg/year
- Global Average Sugar Consumption— 24.2 kg kg/year
- Global Average Coffee Consumption— 1.3 kg kg/year