ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ

The share of American millennials that followed a specific eating pattern or diet increased by *** percent since 2023. Almost of surveyed respondents in this age group stated that they followed an eating pattern or diet in the past year, in 2024.

Diets by age groups in the U.S.

Although many Americans follow diets, there are notable differences across the various age groups when it comes to following a diet. The general trend in the U.S. is that the proportion of consumers who follow a diet, declines as age increases. Among those aged between 18 and 34, almost **** of Americans follow a diet, compared to only ** percent among those aged 65 and older. A similar pattern can be detected among those who follow a vegetarian diet. While the share of vegetarians among those under 40 is about percent, the share declines as the age groups increase. Among those older than 50, only *** percent are vegetarians. This pattern is also evident among consumers who follow a gluten-free diet.

Motivations to follow a diet in the U.S.

The top motivations for U.S. consumers to follow a specific diet are wanting to feel better and wanting to have more energy. Losing weight, trying to improve the physical appearance, and wanting to protect long-term health are also among the most common motivations. The leading reason to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet in the U.S. is animal welfare, as stated by about ** percent of consumers who follow such diets. Wanting to reduce or limit one's environmental impact is also among the top reasons. In comparison, consumers who had never followed a vegetarian diet cite health benefits to be the most compelling reasons why they might consider becoming a vegetarian. Weight management was the second most frequently chosen reason.