Beliefs and behaviours associated with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets among Canadians capable of bearing children

TL;DR

This study explores the beliefs and behaviors of Canadians capable of bearing children who follow vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the motivations and social experiences of CCBC following exclusionary diets in Canada.

Findings

Health beliefs were the main reason for following vegetarian diets.

Ethical concerns were a key motivator for vegan diets.

Social judgment and isolation were reported by some participants due to their dietary choices.

Abstract

There is increased interest in self-selected exclusionary diet patterns, specifically vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free (GF) diets, but there is a lack of research exploring the beliefs and behaviours surrounding these diets in Canadians capable of bearing children (CCBC). The goal of this study was to explore the beliefs and behaviours of CCBC who follow vegetarian, vegan, and/or GF diets using mixed methods. A self-administered online Qualtrics™ survey containing 102 questions was conducted using open text and closed format questions. Continuous variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation while percentages were used to summarize categorical variables. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. A total of 271 CCBC between 18–45 years of age were analysed, with 27%, 22%, and 3.7% indicating they followed a vegan, vegetarian, and/or GF diet, respectively. Three main themes emerged that influenced CCBC beliefs about their chosen diet. The belief that these diets are healthy or could impart health in some way, was the main reason for following their chosen diet, especially in those who identified as vegetarian. Ethical/moral concerns, primarily around animal welfare and the environment, was the second theme for following their chosen dietary pattern, especially amongst those who identified as vegan. Perception of social judgement in the forms of criticism, guilt, and isolation were noted by some CCBC, with family, friends, and colleagues interacting differently with them because of their dietary choices. These findings serve to enhance our understanding of the beliefs and behaviours of CCBC who choose to follow exclusionary diets.

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