Country guides
Animal welfare and plant-based living, country by country
Laws, market data, cultural context and practical advice for eating and campaigning in each country and city.
10 pages
Living Plant-Based in Australia: Rights, Food, and Culture
Living plant-based in Australia is increasingly easy and affordable, with a thriving vegan food scene in major cities and growing supermarket options. While consumer rights protect against misleading labels, animal welfare laws remain fragmented, so personal choices and advocacy play a key role in driving change.
Read moreLiving Plant-Based in Canada: Rights, Food, and Culture
Plant-based living in Canada is increasingly accessible, with major cities offering hundreds of vegan options and national chains adding plant-based items. However, rural areas may have limited choices, and groceries can cost 5-20% more. Legal protections exist but are limited, and a focus on whole foods is key to affordability and nutrition.
Read moreLiving Plant-Based in France: Rights, Food, and Culture — KindEco Guide (France, en)
Plant-based living in France is growing but shaped by tradition: 2.4% are vegetarian and 0.7% vegan, with a €250 million plant-based meat market in 2023. While supermarkets and restaurants increasingly offer options, meat consumption stays high at 85 kg per person yearly. Legal protections exist but are limited, yet practical adaptations like learning labels and using apps ease daily life.
Read moreLiving Plant-Based in Germany: Rights, Food, and Culture
Germany is one of the most plant-based-friendly countries, with 2% vegan and 10% vegetarian populations and a 2-billion-euro market. Supermarkets and restaurants offer wide options, and animal welfare law, though imperfect, recognizes veganism as a conscientious belief. Costs are comparable to conventional foods, with cheap staples and growing acceptance.
Read moreLiving Plant-Based in Ireland: Food, Law, and Culture
Plant-based living in Ireland is increasingly easy, with major supermarkets stocking vegan staples, dedicated eateries in cities like Dublin and Cork, and a growing rural infrastructure. However, eating out can be tricky in small villages, and processed vegan items cost more. Budget-friendly whole-food shopping is possible at €30–45 weekly.
Read moreLiving Plant-Based in New Zealand: Rights, Food, and Culture
Living plant-based in New Zealand is increasingly mainstream, with 5% vegetarian and 2% vegan, plus a $100M market growing double digits. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 recognizes sentience but allows intensive farming. Vegan options are abundant in cities, and a well-planned plant-based diet costs about 15% less than a meat-based one.
Read moreLiving Plant-Based in the United States
Plant-based eating in the US is growing, with an $8 billion market and plant milk at 15% of sales. However, meat consumption remains high at 265 pounds per capita. Vegan and vegetarian diets are adopted by 5-7% of adults, with Gen Z leading at 12%. Costs vary, but whole-food plant-based diets can be cheaper.
Read morePlant-Based Living and Animal Rights in the United Kingdom
The UK is at the forefront of plant-based living in Europe, with a market exceeding £1.1 billion and strong animal welfare laws. However, while veganism and vegetarianism are mainstream, intensive farming still dominates animal agriculture, and legal protections face enforcement gaps. Consumers benefit from extensive product availability, clear labeling, and growing institutional support for dietary transitions.
Read morePlant-Based Living in Portugal: Rights, Food, and Culture — KindEco Guide (Portugal, en)
Plant-based living in Portugal is increasingly accessible, especially in cities, thanks to a growing vegan community and traditional accidentally vegan dishes. While rural areas pose challenges, laws protect animals, and costs can be low if you stick to staples. Support local NGOs for continued progress.
Read morePlant-Based Living in Spain: Rights, Food, and Culture — KindEco Guide
Yes, plant-based living in Spain is easy and increasingly popular. Under 4% of Spaniards follow a plant-based diet, but vegan restaurants and supermarket options are booming. Traditional cuisine offers many naturally vegan dishes, making it affordable and culturally rich.
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