Arizona residents ranked tenth likely to go vegan this year

January marks the end of the holidays and the start of New Year’s resolutions, with Veganuary gaining in popularity across the country. But new research has revealed that not all US states are likely to try the challenge. 

Food sensitivity specialist YorkTest, analyzed Google search data in each state across the country to learn which one is the most vegan-ready this year. 

Residents in Arizona were ranked tenth to try out Veganuary in 2023. Google search terms made by people living in the area related to vegan eating rose by 7% over the last 12 months.

Hawaii topped the list, with searches for vegan related terms rising by 31% when compared to last year. ‘Vegan restaurant’ was the most popular phrase used, so there might be more appetite for switching to plant-based dishes that are cooked by professionals rather than trying it at home.

Known for its fried chicken and chocolatey mud pie, residents in Mississippi have been less interested in veganism over the last 12 months. Searches for vegan-related terms were down by 20% compared to the previous year. However, ‘Vegan cake’ was the second most popular keyword, suggesting people may be on the look-out for vegan alternatives to their favourite treats this year.

Kerri Ferraioli, expert nutritionist at YorkTest offered advice for anyone considering going vegan this year:  “There are lots of mixed messages and mystery about vegan diets, so it’s no wonder that people in Arizona are taking to the internet to do their research about it before choosing to switch up their ways of eating.

“Of course, as well as adding more vegetables to your plate, many people choose to go vegan for ethical reasons too – celebrities like Alicia Silverstone, Lizzo and Ariana Grande are big ambassadors of this. Vegan recipes can also be a popular choice for people who suffer from allergies or sensitivities to common trigger foods like dairy or eggs, even if they don’t go fully plant-based. 

“Of course, if you think you might be intolerant to any type of food, it’s always best to take a food sensitivity test before making any major adjustments to your diet – and always consult an expert so you can ensure you’re still getting all the vital nutrients you need to stay happy and healthy.”