Why the IQs of Plant-Based Kids are higher?

“Vegetarian food leaves a deep impression on our nature. If the whole world adopts vegetarianism, it can change the destiny of humankind.” – Albert Einstein

As plant-based living grows in popularity, many vegetarian and vegan parents proudly report that their kids are not only healthier—but smarter. But is there any truth to this? Or is it just kale-colored bias?

Let’s take a look at what the science says—and how adopting a plant-based lifestyle as a family might just give your kids a head start in life.

The Vegetarian Brain Boost?

According to research, children who follow a vegetarian diet tend to outperform their omnivorous peers in IQ tests. In fact, one study showed that vegetarian children scored an average of 16 IQ points higher than the general population. Not only that, but their mental age exceeded their chronological age by about a year.

That’s not a small leap—it’s an academic year’s head start.

But hold on. Could this just be a case of genetics or environment? Researchers noted that vegetarian children often come from homes where parents are highly educated and health-conscious—so perhaps it’s nature and nurture at play.

Still, even when controlling for those variables, the link persists. So, the question arises:

Are smart kids more likely to choose vegetarianism, or does vegetarianism make kids smarter?

Long-Term Evidence: IQ and the Veggie Path

To test this chicken-or-egg question (tofu-or-broccoli?), researchers in the UK tracked over 8,000 children for decades. They assessed each child’s IQ at age 10, then followed up 20 years later to see who had chosen a vegetarian lifestyle.

The results? Smarter kids were significantly more likely to become vegetarian adults. This supports the idea that a plant-based lifestyle aligns with values such as ethics, environmental concern, and health consciousness—all associated with higher cognitive functioning.

Even Benjamin Franklin himself once wrote that a vegetarian diet led to “greater clearness of head and quicker comprehension.”

Is It Healthy to Raise Kids Plant-Based?

The short answer? Absolutely—if done right.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest and most respected association of nutrition professionals globally, states that “appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.” They add that this applies to all stages of life, including infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Let’s break it down further.

Growth: Are Veg Kids Shorter?

Some studies suggested that restrictive macrobiotic diets could lead to growth stunting in children. But this doesn’t apply to balanced, well-planned plant-based diets. In fact, other research shows that children raised on plant-based diets can be slightly taller than their omnivorous peers.

A recent meta-analysis found that vegan kids appeared shorter on average—but when researchers removed a study that compared 10–14-year-olds to 15–19-year-olds, the height difference vanished. Age, not diet, was the confounding factor.

Verdict: Well-planned plant-based diets do not stunt growth.

What About Weight and Obesity?

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. Plant-based diets may offer a powerful solution.

Population studies have consistently shown that vegetarian and vegan children tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and a reduced risk of obesity compared to their meat-eating counterparts. This means less risk of diabetes, heart disease, and self-esteem issues later in life.

What This Means for Your Family

Choosing to go plant-based isn’t just about skipping meat—it’s about embracing a lifestyle centered on:

• Whole, vibrant foods

• Long-term health and longevity

• Ethical and environmental awareness

• A deeper connection between food and well-being

And, as we’ve seen, it might also give your children a cognitive edge, healthier growth, and better emotional regulation.

🌱 Try Our Plant-Based Family Starter Package!

Because raising bright, healthy kids starts at the dinner table.

The “Smart Starts” Family Package includes:

✅ Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Kids & Teens

✅ 7-Day Whole Food Plant-Based Family Meal Plan

✅ Kid-Approved Recipe Booklet (no tofu tantrums here!)

✅ EFT for Parents & Children: Simple Emotional Freedom Techniques to help with picky eating, food anxiety, and emotional attachment to junk food.

✅ Growth & Mood Tracker Printable

✅ 1:1 Consultation Option – Personalized transition plan & food sensitivity support.

Final Thoughts

Raising kids on a plant-based diet isn’t just nutritionally safe—it might help them thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically. With the right knowledge and tools, your family can unlock a lifestyle that’s kind to the Earth and powerful for the brain.

“Food is our biggest connection to nature.”Help your children nourish their minds and their values—one bite at a time.