Side-by-Side Comparison
| Characteristic | Vegetarian | Vegan |
|---|---|---|
| Meat & Poultry | Excluded | Excluded |
| Fish & Seafood | Excluded | Excluded |
| Dairy Products | Included (most) | Excluded |
| Eggs | Included (most) | Excluded |
| Honey | Included (most) | Excluded |
| Animal-derived additives | Sometimes included | Excluded |
| Philosophy | Primarily dietary | Often extends to lifestyle |
| Clothing & Products | No restrictions | Avoids leather, wool, silk, etc. |
| Popularity | More common | Growing rapidly |
What Are They?
Vegetarian Diet
Vegetarianism is a diet that excludes meat, poultry, and seafood but may include other animal products such as eggs, dairy, and honey. There are several variations of vegetarianism with different inclusions and exclusions.
Lacto-ovo
Includes dairy and eggs but excludes meat, poultry, and seafood
Lacto
Includes dairy but excludes eggs, meat, poultry, and seafood
Ovo
Includes eggs but excludes dairy, meat, poultry, and seafood
Foods Included
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains and legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Dairy products (most types)
- Eggs (most types)
- Honey (most types)
Foods Excluded
- Meat and poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Animal-derived additives (some types)
Vegan Diet
Veganism is a stricter form of vegetarianism that excludes all animal products and by-products. This includes not only meat and seafood but also dairy, eggs, honey, and any other ingredients derived from animals.
Foods Included
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains and legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Plant-based milks
- Tofu and tempeh
- Plant-based oils
Foods Excluded
- All meat and poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Honey
- Gelatin and other animal-derived ingredients
Did You Know?
The term “vegan” was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, who founded The Vegan Society in England. He created it by taking the first and last letters of “vegetarian.”
While vegetarianism has ancient roots in many cultures, veganism as a defined concept is relatively modern.
Which One Is Right For You?
Choosing between a vegan and vegetarian diet depends on your personal health goals, ethical beliefs, and nutritional needs.
Consider vegetarianism if:
- You want to eliminate meat but still enjoy dairy and eggs
- You’re looking for a more flexible plant-based diet
- You’re concerned about getting enough protein and other nutrients
- You’re making a transition toward a more plant-based diet
Consider veganism if:
- You want to eliminate all animal products for ethical reasons
- You have dairy or egg allergies or intolerances
- You’re committed to the environmental benefits of a fully plant-based diet
- You’re willing to pay closer attention to nutritional balance
Remember that both diets can be healthy when well-planned, and many people find themselves transitioning from vegetarian to vegan over time. The most important factor is ensuring you meet your nutritional needs regardless of which path you choose.
