8 April 2026, 04:23

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Education

Vegetarianism and Veganism in Switzerland 2024

More than one in every 20 people in Switzerland abstained from meat in 2024. The trend towards more vegetarian and vegan diets is thus continuing, reported the association Swissveg.

Editorial Wild beim Wild — 1 November 2024

In total, Swissveg counted 308’000 vegetarians in Switzerland in 2024, while 50’000 followed a vegan diet.

Women abstain from meat more frequently

Once again, the differing dietary habits between women and men became apparent: in 2024, 6.3 percent of women lived without meat, compared to 2.9 percent of men. 0.9 percent of women identified as vegan, while 0.5 percent of men considered themselves vegan.

The survey reveals: the younger the respondents, the more likely they are to forgo the consumption of animal products. In 2024, 8.4% of persons aged 14 to 34 were vegetarian. Among those aged 55 and above, only 2.1% were vegetarian. For vegans, the figures stand at 1.3% and 0.2% respectively. The majority of vegetarians and vegans are found among young women: among women aged 14 to 34, one in every seven follows a vegetarian diet. 1.8% of young women follow a vegan diet. A plant-based diet protects wildlife and habitats.

Vegetarians and vegans have higher levels of education

The 2024 survey also confirmed that vegetarians and vegans are disproportionately likely to hold a university degree. On average, 39.1% of people in Switzerland have a university education. Among vegetarians, this share is 54.8%, and among vegans it stands at 54.4%.

The figures are based on the annually conducted, representative MACH Consumer Study. This is based on individuals over the age of 14 who speak German, French or Italian. 30’000 people participated in the telephone survey.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose compassion on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.

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