History of Pescetarianism in Timeline

Pescetarianism is a dietary practice that combines vegetarianism with the consumption of seafood as the sole source of animal flesh. It allows for optional inclusion of other animal products like dairy and eggs. Studies suggest that roughly 3% of the global adult population followed a pescetarian diet as of 2018.

1980: "Pesco-vegetarian" Term Appears

The term "pesco-vegetarian", a synonym for pescetarian, appeared in American publications and literature as early as 1980.

2014: Study on Pescetarianism and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A 2014 lifecycle analysis estimated that pescetarian diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% compared to omnivorous diets.

2015: The Pescetarian Society Founded

The Pescetarian Society was founded in 2015 by members of a Liberal Judaism synagogue in Manchester, who claimed pescetarianism to be a form of vegetarianism with origins in Jewish dietary practices.

2016: Seagan Eating Promotes Seafood Diet

In 2016, the book "Seagan Eating" promoted a seafood diet that discouraged the consumption of dairy and eggs, differentiating it from standard pescetarian diets.

2017: Research on Pescetarianism

In 2017, research began to estimate the global prevalence of pescetarianism.

2018: Survey on Ideological Factors Influencing Dietary Choices

A 2018 global consumer survey found that 87% of pescetarians, vegetarians, and vegans reported that their food choices were influenced by ideological factors like ethical concerns, environmental impact, or social responsibility.

2018: High Pescetarianism Incidence in Africa and the Middle East

A 2018 survey indicated a relatively high incidence of pescetarian diets (5%) in Africa and the Middle East compared to other regions.

2018: UK Survey on Meat-Free Diets

A 2018 survey of UK adults found that approximately 4% followed a pescetarian diet.

2018: Research on Pescetarianism Concludes

In 2018, research concluded that approximately 3% of adults worldwide followed a pescetarian diet.

2018: Studies on Pescetarianism and Environmental Impact

In 2018, studies suggested that adopting a pescetarian diet could significantly reduce nitrogen footprint and food waste.

2018: GlobalData and Ipsos MORI Conduct Dietary Surveys

In 2018, surveys conducted by Ipsos MORI and GlobalData revealed the prevalence of various dietary patterns worldwide, including pescetarianism, which was found to be around 3%.

January 2019: UK Demographic Trends in Pescetarianism

In January 2019, data from Great Britain showed that young women (18-24) were the most likely to be pescetarian, while men over 35 were the least likely.

2020: Pescetarianism Described as Plant-Based

By 2020, pescetarianism was being described as a plant-based diet, and its potential health benefits, such as regular fish consumption and reduced red meat intake, were recognized.

2020: European Pescetarianism Survey

In 2020, a survey across seven European countries found that roughly 3% of the EU population followed a pescetarian diet, with slightly higher numbers in Germany and Belgium.