The number of vegetarians in the US has risen from 1% to about 2.5% (95% confidence level) since 1997, according to a 2000 National Zogby Poll sponsored by The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG), Baltimore, Md.
"Consumers are finding vegetarian food products much more accessible in mainstream supermarkets, contributing to their popularity," says Davida Gypsy Breier, consumer research manager for The Vegetarian Resource Group. "Dairy alternatives and meat analogs are gaining in popularity because of their convenience, good taste and added fortification."