The Rise of Veganism & Plant-Based Diets Throughout the 21st Century

Veganism dates back to the 1940s, when British woodworker Donald Watson established the phrase, while other plant-based diets, such as vegetarianism, can be traced back to 500 BCE. However, during the last decade, an increasing number of individuals have been able to partake in what many consider a lifestyle. This societal trend is linked the rise of social media, which has caused brands and restaurants around the UK and the world to hop on the animal-friendly bandwagon. As more people begin to accept and embrace diverse cultures from across the planet, plant-based diets that are part of traditional culture in places like India and other western Asian nations are becoming more popular.

As a generation, because of the social media movement and the way information is spread, generation Z suffers in regards to mental health issues and body imagery. When looking at consumption patterns, many young people have explored flexitarianism, a semi-vegetarian diet which occasionally includes meat, or have outright given up on consuming animal products. Many plant-based diets have been associated with considerable reductions in depressive, anxious, and tiredness symptoms. Sustaining such a diet can also reduce a persons risk of cancer by 15%, in the UK 1 out of 2 people have cancer. These diets are also associated with reducing many other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and obesity. Vegan and vegetarian diets not only promote greater mental health, but they also benefit the environment by lowering global carbon emissions.

To give anyone more of a perspective on how the animal food market contributes to issues around the world, according to vegan statistics, farmed animals are the largest water consumers in the United States, with a single cow consuming more than 50 gallons per day. Surprisingly, one pound of beef requires approximately 2,400 litres of water. All this takes place while, 780,000 million people don’t have access to water. According to Springmann’s computer study, if the planet were to stop consuming meat, food-related emissions could drop by 70% as well as a 10% decrease in the global mortality rate by just 2050. Many people who participate in these particular diets, take these factors into account for both personal health reasons and in hopes of sustaining the planet for future generations. The health of the planet and the environment is Generation Z's primary concern, and many feel obligated to do what they can as they enter the consumer market. These contributions include shopping green, using sustainable energy, and being mindful of ‘greenwashing.

Although statistics showcase that, 79 million people around the world are vegan and 22% of the global population are vegetarian. Vegans and plant-based diet followers face a lot of backlash from those who consume animal products. According to a recent study by Cara MacInnis and Gordon Hodson, "vegans are seen more adversely than atheists, immigrants, homosexuals, and asexuals.” Vegans are viewed as a threat to the current status quo, and cultural shifts are causing concern throughout the Western Hemisphere. Eventhough, plant-based diets are still perceived negatively by certain parts of the community, this hasn’t stopped the market from further expanding and growing.

As of 2021, the vegan food market made $16 billion globally and it is expected to increase its worth to $22 billion by 2025. Due to the growing interest and desire to partake in more plant-based and flexitarian diets, the vegan marketplace will continue to grow and come up with more meat alternatives for consumers. Veganism was once considered a phase, because of the hippy movement that occurred throughout the 1960s’ and early 70s’, however overtime more people are normalising using meat alternative products on a daily basis. As a result, people have grown dissatisfied with red and white meats. After a downturn in 2015-17, the UK plant-based market is back on the increase; many people during the COVID-19 pandemic took their time to try out the new diet and then persisted with it.

Unlike many other societal trends, veganism and vegetarianism will continue to grow and form part of the normal custom within the UK and the rest of the world. It is no longer associated with just eating greens, but can now be served like any other luxury and trendy meal.

A University Entry by Karla Louise Hallett (Feature Writing)