The non-profits ProVeg International and VeganaGal have surveyed the eating habits of 2,749 Spaniards who follow a flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan diet. The survey shows that 44% of the vegans were between 25 and 34 years old, 25% between 35 to 44 years old, and 17% between 18 and 24 years old. Regarding gender, 79% of vegans identified as females, a smaller percentage than vegetarians (87%) and flexitarians (83%).
As far as residency is concerned, 21% of flexitarian people, 23% of vegetarians, and 26% of vegans live in towns or villages, as opposed to in cities. Religion-wise, 77% of flexitarian people, 84% of vegetarians and 82% of vegans are not believers (according to the Ferrer i Guàrdia Foundation non-believers account for 37.1% of the Spanish population). The main reason for the people surveyed to eat a plant-based diet is animals, followed closely by the environment, then health, and finally food justice. This is an encouraging result as it means that most vegans are likely to be ethical vegans rather than dietary vegans, which increases the probability to become vegan for life. Another study has shown that 1.5% of Spaniards identify as vegans.
Verónica Larco, communication director of ProVeg Spain, said, “The data resulting from this survey not only help to know in depth the veggie population in Spain, but also facilitate governments and the private sector to better create and direct their actions to meet the needs of this increasingly relevant segment of the Spanish population and that is revolutionizing the food system.” Tamara Alonso, a representative of VeganaGal, said, “It is wonderful to be able to break with the myth that a plant-based diet is only a matter for people in the city and to see that eating a healthier, more sustainable and respectful diet with animals is possible regardless of the environment.”
