A new report by Faunalytics reveals that the majority of data on vegetarianism and veganism comes from Europe and North America, regions that represent only 16% of the world's population. The study shows a modest increase in veganism worldwide, with a discrepancy between self-reported dietary habits and actual eating behaviors. In all regions, more people self-identify as vegan or vegetarian than dietary surveys suggest, indicating an opportunity to provide support and guidance for those aspiring to a plant-based lifestyle.

The report emphasizes the need for more data collection in underrepresented regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, as well as the importance of standardizing definitions of vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian. Researchers are urged to combine self-identification surveys with measurements of food intake and improve transparency in reporting. Stakeholders are cautioned against assuming that European growth trends apply universally and to interpret self-reported vegetarian statistics with appropriate caution.