The results come from a survey of 3,739 non-vegans commissioned by vegan chewing gum company Chewsy Gum.
Understanding of what veganism involves proved sketchy among respondents, with 68% believing bread is forbidden, while 16% said it was permissible for vegans to eat meat.
When it comes to attitudes towards a plant-based diet, 77% said ‘going vegan doesn’t save the planet’, 72% understood a vegan diet was expensive to maintain.
Additionally, 24% believe ‘vegans have a moral superiority’, 34% said that ‘vegans pretend to enjoy their food’ and 10% think that ‘vegans are less sexually active than meat-eaters’.
George Driscoll, vegan and owner of sustainable travel Instagram account @immyandgeorge, was asked to comment on the findings. He said: “I would rather ten people get the wrong idea of veganism and give it a go one or two days a week than one person turn their life entirely vegan.
“I think some people can think veganism is lavish and expensive, but really beans on toast with some flora on the bread is a cheap vegan lunch. Even a red lentil dhal is vegan most of the time, and they're both incredibly cheap to make.
“Vegans care a lot about animals and the planet and want neither of them to die due to human actions. I used to laugh at vegans and say 'but bacon tho', but after reading the facts, I changed my mind, and gave it an imperfect go. Eventually I gave up all animal products and have never felt happier.
“It doesn't bother me if people comment on my choice to eat vegan food, I'd rather you ask what I'm eating and try some because you'll realise, like I did, that it's actually incredibly normal and can be really tasty.
“When comments are questions showing genuine curiosity it's great. I don't believe that when people ask these things about 'protein' and 'vitamins' they're being malicious, it's just a case of misinformation.
“You can get vast amounts of protein from plants - have you seen the size of a gorilla? I wish more people would ask questions, but also follow up to find the answers, you might not like what you see but at least you can make informed choices then. “
For more information about the survey findings visit: https://chewsygum.com/