A new survey shows 24% increase in vegan and vegetarian residents over the past decade, signalling shifts in dietary preferences among older adults.

As the UK prepares to celebrate Vegan Month throughout November, new findings from charity Vegetarian for Life (VfL) reveal a significant increase in plant-based diets among older adults in care settings.

A representative survey of 1,000 UK care homes shows a 24% rise over the past decade in vegan and vegetarian residents, with nearly one in three care homes (31.8%) now catering to at least one veg*n resident.

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The figures spotlight a growing trend among older adults and highlight the need for adaptable care homes as the plant-based lifestyle becomes more mainstream.

“The move towards plant-based diets isn’t just for younger generations"

said Amanda Woodvine, Chief Executive of Vegetarian for Life.

“We’re seeing more people in later life adopting vegan and vegetarian lifestyles for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. Care homes across the UK need to respond to these preferences, both to meet current demand and to prepare for a future where dietary choice is central to individual care.”

With over 8,000 vegan and vegetarian residents in care homes this year – up from just over 6,500 in 2014 – the survey’s results have implications beyond the vegan community.

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Key Survey Findings

• 8,088 vegan and vegetarian residents in 2024: up from 6,511 in 2014 and 7,014 in 2019.
• 31.8% of care homes now serve veg*n residents: a 39% increase in ten years.
• 41.8% of nursing homes serve veg*n residents: with a notable 56% increase since 2014, particularly in facilities providing more intensive care.

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The shift suggests broader changes in the way society views aging and nutrition.

Many older adults are embracing plant-based diets as part of a lifelong commitment to health and ethical living, while care facilities must adapt to meet this demand.

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Meeting New Expectations in Care Dining

In response to this trend, Vegetarian for Life has launched Gourmet Vegan, a guide designed to elevate vegan dining standards in care homes, demonstrating that nutritious, ethical eating can also be a fine dining experience.

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The guide was launched at Vegetarian for Life’s 2024 Awards for Excellence held in the Houses of Parliament on 28 October.

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The awards highlighted leaders in veg*n care catering across the UK, setting new standards in both health-focused and ethically-driven cuisine.

“We’re proud to celebrate those who are raising the bar in care catering,”

added Ms Woodvine.

“This includes hospitals, care homes, and catering teams that are responding to the changing tastes and ethical choices of today’s aging population.”

Vegetarian for Life is inviting care homes, policymakers, and the public to consider how plant-based diets in care settings can meet residents’ values while contributing to sustainable, health-focused care models.

As Vegan Month shines a light on plant-based living, this release of data and resources such as Gourmet Vegan reminds us that food choices in care are a critical part of quality of life.

For more information, visit our website or call 0161 257 0887.