Vegetarian vs. vegan vs. plant-based. How do you tell which is which? The nuances may seem subtle to many, but to people who practice these lifestyles, the differences matter a great deal. Here’s the breakdown.
The subtle differences between vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based diets have been a source of confusion for years. As a person eating a plant-based diet the majority of the time myself, I can totally see why.
At first glance, the term “plant-based” seems pretty self-explanatory – eat mostly plants, yeah? But defining a vegan lifestyle isn’t quite so straightforward. That’s why I’m here to clarify things, in order from most basic to most extreme. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple.
Vegetarian vs. Vegan vs. Plant-Based
What is a vegetarian diet?
Vegetarian, the most straightforward of the three diets, basically means “meatless.” Vegetarians choose to eliminate all meat from their diet (chicken, beef, etc.), often for ethical reasons, but are generally comfortable retaining animal byproducts like milk and eggs.
A few variations of this diet include: “lacto-vegetarian” – adding dairy back into the mix, “ovo-vegetarian” – adding eggs back into the mix, and “pescatarian” – adding fish back into the mix.
What is a plant-based diet?
People who eat a plant-based diet eliminate all animal products from their diet including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, gelatin, and other animal byproducts, and tend to avoid processed foods.
Their diet consists primarily of whole, plant foods including fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds. While this may sound vegan to you, where plant-based dieters differ from vegans is outside the kitchen.
What is a vegan diet/lifestyle?
Vegans also eat entirely plant-based diets; however, the conviction to avoid all animal products and byproducts stretches into every other area of life. Veganism is a philosophy deeply rooted in the protection of animal rights.
As such, vegans eliminate animal products not only from their diet, but also from their wardrobes, skincare, and beyond. For example, the average vegan would not wear leather or use a beeswax-based lip balm.
Considering going vegan? This Vegan Starter Kit is a great place to start!
Read More: 10 Reasons to Eat Less Meat (Or None at All)
Why It Matters
Diet is something that is usually deeply personal to people. And the health-based or heart-based reasons why someone might choose to eat a vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diet are often pretty complex.
In my opinion, understanding the reasons people often choose one particular diet over another is a great way to practice empathy. Do you have a friend who lives a vegan lifestyle? Ask them why! I promise you, they will be touched that you asked.
Do you eat a vegetarian, plant-based, or vegan diet? What common misconceptions do you often come across in your daily life?
Victor
Tuesday 13th of April 2021
Thanks for this.I am on compelete raw,plant based diet. I love it.
Leola
Wednesday 6th of November 2019
I thank you so much for this information I'm much better informed I'm glad to start my new life style, I would like some information on plant based recipes
jody
Tuesday 7th of May 2019
HI,
i am plant based. can you give me a list of things i should not eat if i am plant based?
Lauren
Tuesday 7th of May 2019
Eating an entirely plant-based diet puts all meats (including fish) and animal products off limits. So you won't be eating any beef, chicken, pork, salmon, etc. and won't be eating any eggs, dairy products, animal byproducts like collagen, or any honey. Let me know if this doesn't make sense! I'm sure you could find a comprehensive list with a quick google search. Good luck!
Nasr Anaizi
Friday 5th of October 2018
I though I was a vegan. Not so after reading this article. I am definitely in the Plant-based Diet camp. My primary reasons for excluding eggs, milk is that they are potential sources of infection (the cholesterol in eggs is not of concern to me). I try to minimize sugar intake. So honey is out. Fish is a good source of long-chain essential fatty acids (EPA & DHA), BUT IT IS ALSO A RICH SOURCE OF MERCURY. I STILL USE MY OLD LEATHER BELTS AND JACKET. I HATE HOW THE MEAT INDUSTRY TREATS ANIMAL, BUT IN THE PAST I GOT MY MEAT IN BULK FROM A LOCAL FARMER. I SAW HOW THE ANIMALS WERE RAISED and sacrificed. The old farmer passed and farm is no more. Thanks for a great article. You succeeded in explaining the differences CLEARLY without Offending anyone in the process.
Lauren
Tuesday 16th of October 2018
That's wonderful! I'm glad to hear you're exploring this. And thank you - I never want to offend! Diet is such a personal choice and it's something that should be treated with care. Thanks for being a reader!