Vegan, Vegetarian and Plant-Based: What's the Difference?

There are many ways that a person can define their diet. Those who choose not to eat meat are most often following a vegan or vegetarian diet, but sometimes those diets are called plant-based. Read on to learn the differences! 

Vegan:  A diet that excludes all animal-derived products (meat, poultry, seafood, fish, dairy, eggs, honey and any foods made with those ingredients). 

Vegetarian: Like a vegan diet, vegetarian diets exclude all animal-derived products (meat, poultry, seafood, fish and any foods made with those ingredients). However, vegetarians may choose to eat eggs and/or dairy, as well as honey. 

Plant-based: This definition is a little more vague. It technically could refer to a vegan or vegetarian diet, or a diet that mostly comprises whole, unprocessed plant foods (including fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds). It could also include some animal products. Here are some less common definitions for different diets:  

Lacto Vegetarian: A vegetarian who consumes dairy but no eggs.

Ovo Vegetarian: A vegetarian who consumes eggs but no dairy.

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian: A vegetarian who consumes dairy and eggs.

Pescatarian: A diet that is mostly vegetarian or vegan, but that includes some seafood and fish.

Flexitarian: A diet that is flexible — sometimes choosing vegetarian or vegan and sometimes opting for animal products.

Whole-food, plant-based diet: This is a vegan diet that also excludes processed plant-based foods. It excludes oil and added sugars, too.

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