The data also showed 10% of the population are reducing or eliminating animal products in some way. The researchers suggest there has been a collective shift towards more mindful and sustainable eating habits.
London, the North East and the South West lead the way, with 4% of their populations identifying as vegan or plant-based, above the national average of 3%.
The top four reasons for following a plant-based diet include: animal welfare (57%), physical health (52%), environmental reasons (48%) and to improve people’s mental health (27%).
Younger generations, particularly those aged 16-44, are driving the shift with individuals in this age group being twice as likely as older generations to embrace plant-based living. Women are more likely than men to adopt vegan or plant-based diets, with 3.60% of women identifying as such compared to 1.98% of men.
Claire Ogley, head of campaigns, policy and research at The Vegan Society, said: "These results reveal a remarkable transformation in attitudes toward veganism and plant-based living across Britain. It’s inspiring to see younger generations leading the way, with a growing number of people adopting more sustainable and compassionate lifestyles for a variety of reasons, from health to the environment to animal welfare."