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The number of vegetarians in Portugal has risen four-fold over the past decade, according to a recent survey.
The study, conducted by market research company Nielsen, found that about 120,000 people follow a vegetarian diet, while at least 60,000 of are vegans.
The 120,000 figure is around five percent of the population.
Portugal has seen a significant increase in the number of meat-free individuals, which has grown from 30,000 since 2007.
According to the survey, most vegetarians and vegans are aged 25-34.
Shift
Commenting on the recent findings, the Portuguese Vegetarian Association said the survey clearly shows that plant-based diets are a fast-growing movement in Portugal – and highly popular among the young generation.
“This is more than a trend, it’s a shift in society,” Nuno Alvim, spokesperson for the Portuguese Vegetarian Association, told The Portugal News.
“The progressive increase in the number of vegetarians in Portugal and all over Europe is a reflection of the way societies are evolving today, to face some major civilisational challenges.
“The survey results are not so surprising to us. We had clear indicators of this growth all around us.
“The vegetarian market in Portugal has exploded over the past decade. Nowadays you can find veggie products everywhere, and the main cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a great number of possibilities in terms of vegetarian/vegan restaurants.”
Earlier this year, the Portuguese parliament passed a law which assured that all public canteens must have a vegan option.
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