Researchers surveyed 271 Canadian adults aged 18-45 about why they follow vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. About 27% followed a vegan diet, 22% were vegetarian, and 3.7% ate gluten-free. The study found three main reasons people choose these diets: they believe it’s healthier, they care about animals and the environment, or they’re influenced by health concerns. Interestingly, some people also reported feeling judged or isolated by family and friends because of their dietary choices. This research helps us understand what motivates people to follow these special diets.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Why young Canadian adults choose to follow vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, and what beliefs and experiences shape these choices
  • Who participated: 271 Canadian adults between ages 18-45 who could have children. About 27% followed a vegan diet, 22% were vegetarian, and 3.7% ate gluten-free
  • Key finding: People choose these diets mainly for three reasons: they think it’s healthier (especially vegetarians), they care about animal welfare and the environment (especially vegans), or they experience social judgment from people around them
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering a plant-based or gluten-free diet, know that many people are motivated by health and ethical reasons. However, be prepared that some family and friends might not understand your choice. Finding supportive communities can help you stick with your dietary goals

The Research Details

Researchers created an online survey with 102 questions and asked 271 Canadian adults aged 18-45 to fill it out. The survey included both multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions where people could write their own answers. The researchers analyzed the numbers from the multiple-choice questions and looked for common themes in the written responses. This mixed approach—combining numbers with personal stories—helped them understand both how many people follow these diets and why they make these choices.

Understanding why people choose special diets is important because it helps doctors, nutritionists, and family members support people better. When we know that health beliefs and ethical concerns drive these choices, we can have better conversations about nutrition. This research also helps identify that some people feel socially isolated, which is important for their mental health and ability to stick with their diet.

This study surveyed real people about their actual experiences, which is valuable. However, the survey was online and voluntary, so it may have attracted people who are more interested in diet topics. The study included both numbers and personal stories, which gives a fuller picture. The sample size of 271 is reasonable for this type of research, though it only included Canadians, so results may not apply everywhere

What the Results Show

The research identified three main reasons why people follow vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. First, most people—especially those who are vegetarian—believe these diets are healthier or will improve their health. They mentioned wanting to reduce disease risk, lose weight, or feel better overall. Second, people who identify as vegan are primarily motivated by ethical and moral concerns, particularly worry about animal welfare and environmental damage from meat production. Third, a significant number of participants reported experiencing social judgment, including criticism, guilt, and feelings of isolation from family members, friends, and coworkers who don’t understand or support their dietary choices.

The study also revealed that different diet types attract people with different motivations. Vegetarians were most focused on health benefits, while vegans placed stronger emphasis on animal rights and environmental protection. The social judgment theme appeared across all diet groups, suggesting that choosing a special diet can affect relationships and how people feel about themselves in social situations. Some participants described feeling like they had to defend or explain their choices repeatedly.

This research adds to existing knowledge by specifically looking at Canadian adults of childbearing age, a group that hasn’t been studied much before. Previous research has shown that people follow these diets for health and ethical reasons, and this study confirms those findings while also highlighting the social challenges people face. The focus on how family and friends react to these dietary choices is particularly valuable because it shows that diet decisions aren’t just about nutrition—they’re also about relationships and belonging.

The study only included people who voluntarily took an online survey, which means it may have missed people who follow these diets but don’t actively participate in surveys. The survey was only given to Canadians, so the results may not apply to people in other countries with different cultures and food traditions. The study didn’t track people over time, so we don’t know if their beliefs and experiences stay the same or change. Additionally, the study didn’t deeply explore how people actually manage their diets or whether their beliefs match their actual eating habits

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diet, it’s helpful to clarify your own reasons first—whether it’s for health, ethics, or both. This clarity can help you stay motivated and explain your choices to others. Consider finding communities (online or in-person) of people with similar dietary choices for support. If you’re concerned about nutrition, talk to a registered dietitian to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs. Confidence level: Moderate—this is based on what people reported, not on tracking their actual health outcomes

This research is most relevant for young adults (18-45) considering dietary changes, parents or friends of people following these diets, healthcare providers who work with people making dietary choices, and anyone interested in understanding food culture and social influences on eating. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should follow medical advice rather than relying solely on this research. If you have specific health conditions, talk to your doctor before making major dietary changes

Changes in how you feel and your energy levels might appear within 2-4 weeks. Health benefits like improved digestion or weight changes typically take 4-12 weeks to become noticeable. The social adjustment—learning to handle comments from others—is an ongoing process that may take several months as you build confidence and find supportive communities

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your primary motivation for your diet choice (health, ethics, or both) and rate your confidence level weekly on a scale of 1-10. Also note any social interactions related to your diet—both positive and negative—to identify patterns and celebrate supportive moments
  • Use the app to set a specific goal like ‘Find one supportive community this month’ or ‘Have one conversation with a friend about why my diet matters to me.’ Track when you successfully explain your dietary choice to someone without feeling defensive. Log meals and note how you feel afterward to connect your diet to your actual health experience
  • Create a monthly check-in where you reflect on: (1) How well your diet aligns with your stated reasons, (2) Your energy and health status, (3) Your social experiences and support system, and (4) Any changes in your motivation or beliefs. Use the app’s trending feature to see if your confidence grows over time and if social support improves as you find your community

This research describes why people choose certain diets but does not provide medical advice. If you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, food allergies, or any medical condition, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making dietary changes. This study reflects what Canadian adults reported about their beliefs and experiences—it does not prove that these diets will provide the health benefits people expect. Individual nutritional needs vary greatly based on age, health status, and lifestyle. Always seek professional medical guidance before starting a new diet, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.