The latest Eurispes 2026 report reveals that the vegan population in Italy has reached a record high of 3.2%, up from 2.9% in 2025. This figure represents the highest reading in the entire Eurispes time series, showing a fivefold increase since 2014 when vegans accounted for only 0.6% of the Italian population. Meanwhile, the proportion of vegetarians dropped from 6.6% to 5.3%, causing the combined percentage of vegetarians and vegans to decrease from 9.5% to 8.5%.
Despite the slight decline in the total combined number of individuals identifying as vegetarian or vegan, opposition towards practices involving the exploitation of Nonhuman Animals has risen significantly. Opposition to factory farming experienced a sharp increase, jumping by 7.7 percentage points from 71.4% in 2025 to 79.1% in 2026. Furthermore, 81.9% of Italians expressed opposition to fur, compared to 79.4% the previous year. Opposition to the exploitation of Nonhuman Animals in circuses rose to 80.5%, up from 76% in 2025, whilst 70% stated they oppose hunting, an increase from 68.3%. Opposition to testing on Nonhuman Animals remained stable at 78.7%.
The report also highlighted that 20.5% of Italians indicated they would be open to adopting a vegetarian diet but expressed concerns about being able to maintain it. In addition, demand for “free-from” items is expanding, with 19% of consumers purchasing egg-free products in 2026, an increase from 15.4% in 2025. Health-oriented purchasing habits are also evident, as 68.3% of Italians purchase nut and seed mixes, 62.1% use dietary supplements, 57% choose high-protein foods, 49.5% buy probiotics or prebiotics, and 48.4% buy seeds such as flax, sunflower, and hemp.
However, industrial dietary choices remain widespread, with 62.6% of Italians purchasing ultra-processed packaged foods and 64.4% drinking fizzy drinks, energy drinks, and industrial fruit juices. Among young adults aged 18-24, these figures rise to 72.9% for ultra-processed foods and 75.7% for fizzy or energy beverages. Regarding sources of nutritional information, 36.6% of Italians consult medical professionals, nutritionists, or scientific websites to guide their choices.
