Why Israel is the world’s vegan capital?

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will probably already know that Israel is the World's vegan capital. It has become the leading vegan country in the world. 5.2% of the population eschews all animal goods in their daily diet. This number has more than doubled since 2010, when 2.6% of the population was vegan or vegetarian.

In 2025, it will maintain its status as one of the countries with the highest per capita vegan populations globally. With Israel's population around 9.7 million, this equates to roughly 485,000 individuals following a vegan lifestyle.

Are they just ahead of the world trend, or are there unique reasons that the numbers are disproportionately higher than anywhere else in the world? Or possibly a combination of both?

Israel-based Ori Shavit, an international promoter of vegan culture, believes there are multiple reasons. Israelis and those around the globe have embraced reducing their consumption of animal products. While some are motivated by improving their health and waistlines, others are concerned with animal cruelty and the environmental impact. For many, it's all of it.

However, Shavit notes that there are a number of unique reasons that Israelis are leading this trend.

Innovation in the start-up nation goes far beyond technology. Israelis actively drive innovation across agriculture, social equity, architecture, education, and especially the culinary world. In Tel Aviv, Israel’s cultural capital, chefs have built a thriving plant-based scene. There are more than 400 restaurants proudly offering vegan-friendly menus.

Israeli companies continue to lead the way in developing vegan meat alternatives. Israeli consumers consistently rank among the earliest adopters of plant-based food tech.

In 2022, Israeli food tech innovator Vgarden expanded its global footprint by partnering with Australia's Cale and Daughters. They launched a new plant-based food factory in Brisbane. This move brought Israeli-developed vegan tuna, cheese, and meat alternatives to Australian shelves and cemented Tel Aviv’s culinary innovation reputation.

In 2013, Domino’s Pizza launched its first vegan pizza with non-dairy cheese. It is now available in other countries. Israel is also the first country outside of the US to offer Ben and Jerry’s vegan ice cream flavours. As Israel has a relatively small population, it’s interesting that these two major international chains chose to launch their dairy-free products in the holy land.

Shavit also explains that, as Israel is such a relatively small country, trends and information move very quickly. This is particularly true with the help of social media.

Shavit believes the fact that some Israelis cannot affect the political situation drives them to find another way to make the world better. Thus, they focus on their food rather than political choices.

Shavit says her shift from happy carnivore to outspoken vegan began with a single video. The clip — Best Speech You Will Ever Hear by Jewish-American activist Gary Yourofsky, shared on the Animal Holocaust YouTube channel — hit her hard.

“ This is the video that changed my life.”

Yourofsky's Hebrew-subtitled video lecture on animal cruelty has more than one million views. One can infer that his message has potentially penetrated a staggering one-eighth of Israel’s population. 

The vegan advocate and food blogger also explains that Israeli cuisine naturally includes a large amount of vegetables, fruit, grains, and legumes already. This includes hummus and falafel, the country’s best-known dishes. 

In addition, she notes that many Jewish Israelis are used to keeping kosher.

Australian Ondine Sherman, the Managing Director and Co-founder of Voiceless, the animal protection institute, believes the lack of progress in the political situation between Israelis and Palestinians is also contributing to high rates of veganism in Israel, where she now lives. 

Shavit notes that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) even provides an increasing number of vegan meals for soldiers due to increasing demand. 

While Israel has been accused by some of “vegan-washing”, attempting to polish its troubled political image with a dose of vegan-friendliness, Shavit says going vegan for political reasons is one of many reasons to do so. She emphasizes that's not unique to Israel.

While Tel Aviv leads globally in plant-based innovation, Australia’s Jewish community is also rethinking food through a values-driven lens. From ethical kashrut to climate-conscious kitchens, a new conversation is taking root about what Jewish food traditions look like today. Read more about how ethical eating is reshaping Jewish life in Australia →