The Vegetarian Society is a British society founded 30 September 1847 and is believed to be the oldest society promoting vegetarianism in the world. The first meeting was held at Northwood Villa, a vegetarian hospital at Ramsgate in Kent. Its first full meeting was held in Manchester the following year and 1848 also saw the publication of the first issue of 'The Vegetarian', the magazine of the society. There is more information about the formation of the Society at

Famous members have included Mahatma Gandhi and George Bernard Shaw.

The modern day society is, in its own words, "an educational charity promoting understanding and respect for vegetarian lifestyles".

The Vegetarian Society approves products that are vegetarian and these can carry its seedling symbol.