Among some recent surveys and polls, veganism appears to be on the decline and a trend dubbed, “Flexitarianism,” is coming into prominence. Flexitarianism is a less meticulous, varied form of vegetarianism. Within Flexitarianism, dairy is welcomed, as well as the current vast array of plant-based meat and products, and actual meat products on occasion. While some dieticians consider this a diet, many people are finding it to be a daily regime to continue with indefinitely.
A May 2022 report by international food magazine, Chef’s Pencil, released findings among Google Trends and Google Adwords, that the places where veganism is most popular, has declined – the United States, Germany, and Australia, and even the most vegan population dense, the United Kingdom. The United States appeared to show large Google Adwords – but it was for vegans researching places eat out, such as restaurants, bars, venues, etc.
Flexitarianism’s growth among Americans between 24 to 39-years-old, at 54% – more than half of this group – considers themselves Flexitarian. These findings are from a Sprouts Farmer’s Market Survey, administered by One Poll, in 2021. The overall findings are that of those surveyed, 47% could describe themselves as Flexitarians, and that they believe it’s not a trend or fad – that their lifestyle of plant-based meat and products, dairy and classic vegetarian options is compatible for the long term and meet their nutritional needs. Health benefits believed to be associated with Flexitarianism are decreased risk of heart disease, cancer prevention, and Type 2 diabetes prevention and/or management. It is environmentally conscious too, since decreasing meat consumption decreases one’s carbon footprint.
