Worldwide meat consumption continues to drop because of growing concerns around environmental impact and animal welfare, as well as health. At the same time, vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian lifestyles are becoming increasingly popular. For example, more than 700,000 people globally took part in Veganuary in 2023.

As of 2023, 6% of US consumers said that they were vegan, a 500% increase compared to just 1% in 2014.*

Although plant-based diets are proving to have noticeable health benefits, they must be balanced and varied to meet our nutritional needs. That said, here are reasons why more consumers are adopting a vegan lifestyle as a mindful choice for overall well-being.

Nutrient-rich foods 
One of the primary benefits of a vegan diet lies in its emphasis on nutrient-dense plant foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds provide a great variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

A well-planned vegan diet including a diverse range of plant-based foods can deliver all the essential nutrients the body needs for optimal health and overall well-being.

Heart health and cholesterol
Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of vegan diets on cardiovascular health. By excluding animal products, which are typically high in saturated fats and cholesterol, individuals following a vegan lifestyle may experience lower blood cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.

The inclusion of heart-healthy foods like nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils can further enhance cardiovascular health.

Blood sugar regulation
Vegan diets that are rich in whole foods and fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels. Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and other leafy greens are packed with fiber and magnesium. Both these elements play a role in managing blood sugar levels by slowing down energy release and glucose absorption. Kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils are high in fiber, complex carbohydrates and protein. These also contribute to stable blood sugar levels.

Vegan diets high in these types of food offer individuals a proactive approach to diabetes prevention and management.

One way formulators can unlock flavor potential and enhancing vegan dishes is to use the right herbs and spices. You can bring lighter, more vibrant flavors to a dish by simply incorporating herbs or if you’re looking for more depth of flavor, that’s where spices come in. Yeast extract’s distinctive savory, meaty flavor can bring out umami flavors too.

*2014 consumer data from ReportBuyer

Kristina Vervoorst is a Marketing Manager at Ohly. Ohly is a world-leading provider of specialty yeast-based ingredients for the food, health, animal health and bionutrients industries. Ohly develops natural ingredients that deliver flavor for maximum food taste experiences, offering in-depth application knowledge and data to support customers’ recipe or process development. 

www.ohly.com/en