Plant-based diets in the Finnish adult population: findings from the Healthy Finland survey

Abstract Background Plant-based diets have the potential to benefit both human and planetary health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of plant-based diets (vegan, lacto-vegetarian, pescatarian, and semi-vegetarian) in the Finnish adult population. Methods We used data from the national Healthy Finland survey (2022-2023, n = 28,153, response rate 46%, aged 20 years or older). Our analytical sample comprised 26,500 participants (14,908 women and 11,592 men) who completed a question of the frequency of consumption of nine food groups (fruits and berries; vegetables; legumes and plant-protein products; whole grain cereals; milk and milk products; plant-based milk substitutes; fish; poultry; red and processed meat). The five frequency categories ranged from ‘not at all’ to ‘three times a day or more often’. Five diets were determined: vegan (consuming only plant-based foods), lacto-vegetarian (consuming also dairy), pescatarian (consuming also fish), semi-vegetarian (consuming also poultry), and omnivore (consuming also red and processed meat). The population shares (%) of diets and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated by gender, age, area, and education. Survey weights were applied to account for potential bias due to non-participation. Results The population shares were 0.8% for vegan diets, 0.9% for lacto-vegetarian (including lacto-ovovegetarian) diets, 3% for pescatarian diets, 4% for semi-vegetarian diets, and 91% for omnivorous diets. Following a plant-based diet was more common in women, those aged 20-39 years, those living in urban areas, and those with high education compared to other groups. Following a vegan (3%), lacto-vegetarian (3%), or pescatarian (8%) diet was most common in women aged 20-39 years. Conclusions These findings can be used to promote public health efforts in transition towards more plant-based and sustainable diets. Key messages • Of the Finnish adult population, 9% follow a plant-based diet. • The prevalence of plant-based diets in the Finnish adult population differs by gender, age, area, and education.