What is the difference between vegan and vegetarian?

In discussions about plant-based eating and ethical living, the terms 'vegan' and 'vegetarian' are frequently used, often interchangeably, leading to confusion. While both diets share a common foundation in plant-based foods and a rejection of consuming meat, poultry, and fish, they diverge significantly in their scope and underlying principles. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone exploring these dietary and lifestyle choices, whether for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. This page will clarify the precise differences, the rationale behind each, and what they mean in practice.

The short answer

Vegans eliminate all animal products and by-products from their diet and lifestyle, while vegetarians primarily avoid meat, poultry, and fish, with varying inclusions of dairy and eggs. This fundamental distinction is often the most challenging aspect for newcomers to understand, as the spectrum of vegetarianism can be quite broad. The choice between them often reflects differing ethical stances and levels of commitment to avoiding animal exploitation.

The evidence

The distinction between vegan and vegetarian diets is well-documented in dietary guidelines and ethical literature. Vegetarianism, in its broadest sense, is defined by the abstinence from meat, including red meat, poultry, and fish. Within vegetarianism, several sub-categories exist:

• Lacto-vegetarian: Excludes meat, poultry, and fish, but includes dairy products.
• Ovo-vegetarian: Excludes meat, poultry, and fish, but includes eggs.
• Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: Excludes meat, poultry, and fish, but includes both dairy products and eggs. This is the most common form of vegetarianism in many Western societies.
• Pescatarian: While often grouped with vegetarianism, pescatarians avoid all meat and poultry but consume fish and seafood, along with dairy and eggs.

Veganism, conversely, is a much stricter and more comprehensive approach. The Vegan Society defines veganism as a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. This means a vegan diet explicitly avoids:

• Meat (including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, etc.)
• Fish and seafood
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, etc.)
• Eggs
• Honey and other bee products (e.g., bee pollen, royal jelly)
• Any other animal-derived ingredients (e.g., gelatin, casein, whey, carmine, shellac)

Beyond diet, veganism also extends to lifestyle choices, advocating against the use of animal products like leather, wool, silk, and down, and avoiding products tested on animals. This comprehensive stance is rooted in a deep ethical commitment to animal rights and welfare, seeking to minimise all forms of animal exploitation.

Dietary Inclusions and Exclusions:

Common counter-arguments

Some common arguments against the distinction or the practices of veganism often revolve around nutritional completeness or the practicality of avoiding all animal products. For example, it is sometimes argued that eliminating dairy and eggs, as vegans do, makes it harder to obtain certain nutrients like calcium or vitamin B12. However, well-planned vegan diets can provide all necessary nutrients, often through fortified foods or supplements, as highlighted in discussions around 'Do vegans get enough protein?'.

Another point of contention can be the 'purity' of veganism, especially regarding less obvious animal-derived ingredients or cross-contamination in food production. While vegans strive to avoid all animal exploitation 'as far as is possible and practicable,' acknowledging the pervasive nature of animal products in modern society, some pragmatism is often necessary. The focus remains on significant, intentional choices rather than unattainable perfection.

What this means in practice

For individuals considering a shift towards more plant-based eating, understanding the precise differences helps in setting realistic goals. A vegetarian diet can be a stepping stone, offering a path to reducing meat consumption without immediately cutting out all animal products. This approach allows for a gradual adaptation to new foods and cooking methods.

Choosing to go vegan represents a deeper commitment to animal ethics and environmental sustainability, influencing not only diet but also purchasing decisions for clothing, cosmetics, and household items. Both choices contribute to reducing the environmental impact associated with animal agriculture, such as greenhouse gas emissions and land use, albeit to different degrees. The 'Is a vegan diet healthy for children?' page further illustrates how carefully planned vegan diets can be suitable for all life stages, demonstrating their practical viability when informed choices are made. Ultimately, the decision between vegan and vegetarian is a personal one, driven by individual values, health considerations, and practical circumstances.